By Staff Writer
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi took early note this morning of missing Members of Parliament busy with party election campaigns instead of attending Parliament.
The PM did not like the irresponsible disregard for Parliamentary duties that should always be the priority for MPs elected by their respective constituencies.
Speaker Toleafoa Fa’afisi went over the list of absent MPs and listed the leader of the FAST Party who excused himself for political party responsibilities.
Two other party members had also asked to be excused for family obligations.
Speaker Toleafoa agreed with Parliament session taking priority over all other obligations with an example of how serious it is.
“ Court hearings involving an MP are adjourned until after Parliament,” he emphasised in response to the Prime Minister’s complaints.
Tuilaepa later in the session confirmed that all the MPs affiliated with FAST were in Savaii.
“ I have phone photos of all four FAST MPs showing them at Samalaeulu campaigning,” he verified.
He did not mention who the fourth MP in the group was except for La’auli, Olo and Faumuina.
“They are being paid to attend sessions of Parliament not go out and campaign for voters.”
Tuilaepa insisted that Parliament should be the priority not personal activities and if an individual cannot be trusted with minor responsibilities how can they be trusted with major duties.
The Government leader has made earlier references to the absence of opposition MPs suspected of giving priority to election campaigning.
He highlighted the attendance of all the Cabinet Ministers to show the respect the Government holds for Parliament.
The PM made a pointed note of Cabinet making up all the 33 Government MPs in attendance to make it possible to meet the 26-member quorum necessary for the session to take place.
Parliament is sitting through its final session before it is dissolved for the General Elections in April and the opportunity is given to all MPs to make final addresses at the end of their 5 year term.
The four MPs in opposition, however, have been in a struggle to sit and take in the praises in the House to the leadership and the many achievements by Government.
Former Deputy PM Fiame was the last opposition MP to take the floor at the start of the week.
