By Staff Writer
Travelling opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is back home from attending an annual International Rugby Board meeting in France as Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union.
He is currently in home isolation for the next 7 days which will keep him away from attending Parliament again since his travels started just over a week ago.
Tuilaepa and party secretary MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, are the target of a controversial complaint by the deputy PM for contempt of court convictions that are under review by the House Privileges Committee.
More ill feelings were created when Speaker Papali’i Taeu Masepa’u reacted angrily at the absence of the opposition leader from Parliament in the last session.
The Speaker did not like members missing Parliamentary sessions for other personal matters.
The outburst brought resounding protest from a puzzled opposition deputy leader Fonotoe Lauofo Meti.
Fonotoe failed to understand where the Speaker’s anger came from when Tuilaepa did seek leave from Parliament to attend the international rugby meeting that has a critical bearing on the future of the leading sport in Samoa.
The House Committee review report on the opposition members is to be tabled in Parliament when it is again called to session today.
More bad political blood is expected to flow from the debate on the report to add to the PM and her FAST ruling party coming under fire, for alleged betrayal and lack of good faith in the signing of a Harmony Agreement they are accused of reneging on.
PM Fiame and opposition leader Tuilaepa signed up to the agreement supposedly to end political divisions and restore harmony in the country.
Both agreed to turn afresh leaf by withdrawing all party related court petitions and police investigations under the Harmony Agreement.
Tuilaepa and Lealailepule were ruled guilty of contempt of court without any penalties when the Supreme Court upheld the value of the Harmony Agreement for the sake of restoring unity in a divided Samoa.