By Staff Writer
The Speaker of the House handed down a stern name warning against newly elected Gagaifomauga No.3 Member of Parliament at his swearing in this morning.
Speaker Toleafoa Fa’afisi halted the oath taking ceremony of MP La’auli Polataivao Fosi, to warn him about his personal use of the name La’aulialemalietoa.
“Your swearing in cannot continue because I cannot accept you as a Member of Parliament if you do not give your correct official title,” Speaker Toleafoa warned.
MP La’auli was about to officially sign his warrant of appointment when the proceedings were halted.
“ You could be charged for making a false declaration under oath,” Toleafoa added after making reference to the official title of La’auli Leuatea Polataivao on the warrant of appointment signed by the Head of State.
The new MP rephrased his official name when he was again required to re-take the oath of appointment.
La’auli walked over and shook hands with the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi after the oath taking.
The new MP had a falling out with the PM and the Human Rights Protection Party where he was a prominent member of the party leadership as House Speaker and former Minister of Agriculture.
Growing frictions finally ended in his resignation from the party and culminated in a by-election for his electoral constituency when he talked out of Parliament in the middle of a debate.
PM Tuilaepa congratulated the former MP on his return and called on the House to forget what went on in the past and to welcome him back.
