NEW LEADER : Opposition HRPP leader in Parliament only, Lauofo Fonotoe Meti, takes over the leadership seat in the House shortly after he was voted in today.
By Staff Writer
The head of opposition, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is no longer recognized as the Human Rights Protection Party leader in Parliament only.
The House today voted deputy leader, Lauofo Fonotoe Meti, into the leadership role under section 22 of the House Standing Orders.
The Parliament motion followed a recommendation by the House Standing Order Committee, based on the prolonged absence of Tuilaepa, currently serving a 2-year suspension term.
Under the conditions of the passed motion, Tuilaepa is to no longer speak to the media or write to the Speaker of the House as well.
All terms of the motion are effective immediately.
The HRPP leader, however, will be re-instated as opposition leader in Parliament on his return.
It is unclear if the restrictive terms of the motion apply to MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi as the opposition party secretary who is suspended together with Tuilaepa.