By Staff Writer
Political mud throwing between the HRPP and FAST political party leaders, is threatening doubt in the integrity of the Judiciary,
Both sides yesterday threw scathing accusations at each other through the media of interferening with the impartiality of the judges of the court.
FAST leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa started off first by running down the PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi for being personal.
Her reaction was over comments the PM allegedly made that judges partied with members of her political party.
“The only connections we have with the judges are through our lawyers,” Fiame denied.
She accused Tuilaepa of having no regard for the independence of the Judiciary and should be held in contempt of court.
The FAST leader felt the PM’s alleged comments should be looked into because it reduces the status of the court.
Tuilaepa blasted his FAST rival, as the one dragging politics into the courts by questioning the early release of the Chief Justice, Satui Simativa Perese, from quarantine.
The Chief Justice was released after a week in quarantine on his return from New Zealand where he was away for medical treatment.
“What is silent in her questioning the early release are the heavy political undertones behind it,” Tuilaepa countered.
“ Maybe she didn’t realise what she was talking about caused serious damages to the independence of the court.
“So if anyone was questioning the integrity of the court it is Fiame.”
Chief Justice Perese was fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus while in New Zealand and was held for only a week of observation as a precautionary health measure.
Fiame claimed that the early release was not the normal process and it surprised everyone.
Health officials did confirm that the early release of fully vaccinated arrivals was already running for weeks before the CJ’s arrival.
The practice started with travelers entering from American Samoa where the population is already vaccinated.
The PM assured that he still has a lot of faith in the court and pointed to a letter he wrote to the Acting CJ expressing concern about members of the judiciary drinking and socialising in public places.
“My letter was not about having justice done but to be seen to be done as well and that is all about protecting the integrity of the court that I still have a lot of faith in.”
The Saturday political outburst at the weekend leads onto a Supreme Court hearing underway this coming Wednesday that may decide a new Government.
The outcome of the general elections a few weeks ago is deadlocked at 26-seats for each party.
More than half of the 52-seat Parliament are being challenged in election petitions that will hold the attention of the country for weeks to come in court hearings.