By Staff Writer
The Gagaifomauga MP La’aulialemalietoa Fosi Schmidt declared himself ‘free’ in Parliament today, after announcing his official resignation from the ruling Human Rights Party.
His resignation did not come as a surprise, after he made his intentions public more than a fortnight ago.
La’aulialemalietoa has been among the party leadership as a former Speaker and Minister of Cabinet.
He was, however, forced to resign his Cabinet portfolio in Agriculture over a business deal that went sour, and eventually deteriorated into a falling out with the leaders of the HRPP.
He was apologetic for any wrong doing that has led to his decision to leave and to stand as an independent for the remainder of the current sitting of Parliament up to 2021.
In a lighthearted moment of his resignation, he stretched his arms in ‘celebration’ that “I’m free.”