By Staff Writer
The Human Rights Protection Party leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is anxious to confirm official by-elections plans for the replacement of the two party MPs who resigned this week.
Tuilaepa wrote today to Speaker Papali’i Taeau Masepa’u, for his official response to the seats left vacant yesterday by MPs Ale Vena and Tuu’u Anasi’i.
“We want to know your reaction to by-elections for the electoral constituencies involved, so we can start organizing candidates to stand for the party,” Tuilaepa stated in his letter to Speaker Papali’i.
The former Prime Minister is adamant the Electoral Act is clear in the calling of by-elections for MPs who resign their parties.
Tuilaepa also reflected on the new amendments passed during the previous Government as attempts to make MPs honest about their true intentions.
He pointed to the PM as an example of an MP not truthful with her true intentions when she left to be independent.
“When Fiame resigned from the HRPP to stand as an independent MP, we all knew and saw she had gone over to the FAST political party,” Tuilaepa alleged.
The HRPP leader brushed aside poor leadership claims made against him by the two rebel MPs.
“There is no truth in all the claims they made against my leadership but it’s understandable why they made it.
“They’re just trying to make it feel like they’re saying it with an honest and clear conscience.”
Tuilaepa showed his good intentions by declaring openly that he has nothing against his former party members.
“If they turn up at Petesa (party headquarters) tomorrow, I will kiss them both and also send off someone to get us some ice-creams to enjoy as part of their welcome.”
The HRPP leader acknowledged the good contributions the MPs made.
Tuu’u Anasi’i was a Cabinet Minister under one of PM Tuilaepa’s past administrations.
Ale Vena was made Chairman of the Public Service Commission on the recommendation by Tuilaepa to Cabinet.
Tuilaepa alleged the two MPs may have been lured to leave the HRPP with sweet promises and other hard to refuse offers from the ‘other side.’
He claimed also that it has to do with PM Fiame chasing after a two thirds majority in Parliament.
“Fiame has been chasing after Constitutional clearance to make it possible to make the changes she is going after.
“One of the changes is the forced removal of the President of the Lands and Titles Court which is very clear under the Constitution, requires a two-thirds majority vote of Parliament.”
Tuilaepa gave strong assurances the HRPP party has already proven its durability and is not worried by any claims it is at risk of breaking up.
He asserted that the HRPP has become too well established over the years to be a ‘fly by night’ political party that popped up only during an election period, to disappear never to be heard of again.