Opposition targets Speaker

“He shouldn’t be infected from any political party’s decision. He has the supreme power in Parliament, higher than the Prime Minister but we fear that the amendment will take that away”

 The Speaker of Parliament should not only be “seen” to be independent, he should also distance himself from any political “infection.”

That is the opinion of former Speaker of the House, A’eau Peniamina Leavaise’eta, in the wake of the government’s proposal to change the Constitution in relation to the appointment of the Speaker.

A bill to make this happen was tabled by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, last week. If it becomes law, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be chosen by members of the ruling party, instead of Parliament.

During a press conference yesterday, A’eau, who is the deputy leader of the Tautua Samoa Party, expressed his concerns about the Bill.

His criticism, however, was particularly scathing about the Speaker and the Prime Minister’s habit of “having tea inside the Speaker’s Chamber.”

A’eau said this shouldn't be happening.

But it has happened in the past. When he was the Speaker from 1988 to 1991, A’eau told of an incident involving the late Prime Minister, Tofilau Eti Alesana.

“He was ill at the time and he couldn’t stand for long. He used a walking stick,” said A’eau.  

“One day, my secretary came to me and requested if she could take Tofilau’s morning tea inside but my belief was that no one, whoever it might be, should eat inside the Maota."

“So I spoke to him (Tofilau) and reminded him of it and he replied; thank you and said I was right.”

A’eau said it was during that time that he allowed the late Prime Minister Tofilau to use the Speaker’s room to have his tea during the breaks.

“I had reasons because I understood he couldn’t stand for long”.

The M.P from Falealupo said since then, he has seen the Prime Minister using the room during Parliamentary breaks.

“But it shouldn’t happen,” he said.

A’eau pointed out that, his reasons were appropriate but seeing it happen today with the current leader, it shouldn’t be the case.

He reminded the Speaker that during the break, instead of drinking tea with the Prime Minister inside the room, he should spare that time for Members of Parliament.

“When Parliament is on a break, that is the only time that members can talk to the Speaker with any problems they have. But that can’t be done when all his time is taken by the Prime Minister.”

Leader Palusalue Fa’apo II supported his colleague. But he was more concerned about the changing of the Constitution in relation to the appointment of the Speaker.

 “Its independency will no longer exist,” said Palu. He explained that the amendment should prohibit the Speaker appointed from being part of any political meeting.

This way, Palu said; it would ensure he/she is not influenced by the members and leaders of that political party.

Salega M.P., Afualo Dr Wood Salele backed A’eau and Palusalue.

“The main aim is for the Speaker to uphold his integrity and independency,” he said.

“He shouldn’t be infected from any political party’s decision. He has the supreme power in Parliament, higher than the Prime Minister but we fear that the amendment will take that away.”

Afualo also suggested that the Speaker should be appointed through a petition signed by members of the public.

Speaker La’auli was not immediately available for a comment yesterday.

In Parliament last month, the Speaker objected to accusations of being biased from the Opposition.

La’auli said he had always given the Opposition a fair opportunity to voice their concerns in Parliament. He also reminded Palusalue that he has been warned too many times for breaking Parliament protocols.

“Many times I have loved you, but you don’t love me,” said La’auli.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa also defended the Speaker in Parliament. He said it wasn’t right to forbid the Speaker from attending the meetings with the political party that he is part of. In this case, it is the ruling Human Rights Protection Party.