By Staff Writer
Speaker Papali’i Taeu Masepa’u did not react well to the absence of the opposition HRPP leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, from Parliament last Tuesday.
His angry reaction was voiced against members he felt put their personal commitments ahead of work responsibilities to Parliamentary duties.
Speaker Papali’i did not like what he felt were delays in the work of the House Privileges Committee, by the HRPP leader’s absence.
Tuilaepa and HRPP general secretary, MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, are reportedly required to appear before the Committee to defend against complaints of contempt of court convictions.
The HRPP deputy leader, Fonotoe Lauofo Meti, defended his party leader’s non-attendance, when asked for his re-action to the Speaker’s outburst.
“What I don’t understand is the Chairman of the Committee said very clearly in his motion for an extension, they needed time to finish up the work on their report,” Fonotoe pondered aloud.
“He did not hold our party leader responsible for any delays, at the same time too Tuilaepa did officially ask for a leave of absence to attend the International World Rugby Board meeting.”
The HRPP leader is the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union and was called to attend the annual meeting of the ruling body of international rugby in France.
Fonotoe added that Tuilaepa was booked to return home in time to attend Parliament but normal flight disruptions on the way back delayed his arrival.
“It’s normal practice for members of the House to be away on important official business, why is the Speaker taking exception to our leader’s absence,” HRPP secretary MP Lealailepule questioned on the Speaker’s criticisms.
Tuilaepa is the Samoa Rugby Union long time chairman and was accompanied to the out of country trip by the CEO of the national rugby body.
“Cabinet Ministers and other Government members do that also and sometimes you see them enjoying themselves as if they’re on holiday, from the photos they bring back of their trips, ” HRPP Party Secretary Lealailepule secretary rejected.
He loudly reminded the value of rugby that has put Samoa not just on the international sporting map but the whole world as well.
Also highlighted were employment benefits to rugby players and their families by signing up for outside professional playing contracts.
“I understand the Chairman of the International Rugby Board is visiting Samoa at the invitation of our rugby union chairman while at the meeting and not only is that a first for us but there will be side benefits as well for our rugby.”
Tuilaepa and Lealailepule are on the Speaker’s bad list for contempt of court complaints filed by the Deputy Prime Minister.
The House privileges committee was set up to review the complaint over the controversial court ruling tied to a Harmony Agreement between the two political party leaders to keep the peace in Samoa.