Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, downplayed an H.R.P.P caucus meeting held late yesterday afternoon, saying it was the party’s regular meeting.
Speaking to the media after the meeting held inside the Cabinet room, Tuilaepa said he had no comment to make since it was a regular meeting for the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P).
The meeting was well attended. Members of the party who were present declined to comment. One source, however, told the Samoa Observer that the subject of the meeting was a “tough one.”
He said the issue involved the Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga. Another source said there are fresh attempts made to remove Faumuina from Cabinet over his recent behaviour.
The source said another letter signed by a number of H.R.P.P members has again been given to the Prime Minister.
Yesterday’s meeting was held on the eve of the much-anticipated Parliamentary session today, where the Officers of Parliament Committee (OPC) report, confirming the Controller and Chief Auditor’s Report to Parliament, is to be discussed.
Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Tuilaepa rejected claims that his government has ignored incidents of “corrupt practises” highlighted by Chief Auditor Fuimaono.
The incidents – including allegations about the spending by Cabinet Minister, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga among other issues - were investigated and confirmed by the Officers of Parliament Committee.
“The discussion of this matter is not finished,” Tuilaepa said.
“Remember that the presentation of the report (by the Officers of Parliament Committee) was made (in Parliament).
Then the session ended but it was made clear that when (Parliament) reconvenes, we will discuss it.
“The process is that when the report arrives, it is tabled. So it was tabled and Muagutu presented it,” he said, referring to O.P.C. Chairman Muagututagata Peter Ah Him.
“It hasn't been debated.”
Tuilaepa confirmed that debate should begin on 18 March 2014.
That’s today. Yesterday, the Prime Minister did not say whether it is usual for the H.R.P.P to meet on a Monday afternoon.
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