Leader of the Opposition Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy Leader Fonotoe Lauofo Pierre and Party Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi will be investigated by a Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee over allegations described as defamatory and treasonous.
The Speaker of the House, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua, told parliament this week that, in his opinion, there was substance to the allegations and that the matter should be referred to the committee for investigation. The matter stems from a motion moved by Prime Minister Laaulialemalieto Leuatea Schmidt during the April parliamentary sitting, when the allegations and supporting documents were submitted for the Speaker’s ruling.
Auapaau said the matter had been postponed from the 17 March 2026 sitting to allow him to carefully review the submissions before deciding Standing Order 65. He said Parliament remained committed to observing the rules set out in the Standing Orders and that a review was necessary to ensure due process. The matter has now been referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee.
However, at the last parliamentary sitting, Laaulialemalietoa alleged that the deputy leader of HRPP, Lauofo, had signed cheques for the purchase of illicit drugs; cheques obtained by the Samoa Observer showed that Lauofo had not signed them.
