A heated exchange broke out in parliament on Wednesday morning between Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, Speaker of the House, Auapaau Aloitafua Mulipola and former Prime Minister and Lotofaga parliamentarian Fiame Naomi Mataafa over what was described as mandatory drug testing for parliament members.
Fiame questioned the impact of the proposed drug tests on MPs, asking whether it would affect their positions as elected representatives of their constituencies.
She said MPs held their seats through the villages and the people who elected them, and asked the Speaker to clarify what the requirement would mean for those occupying parliamentary seats.
“Members of parliament get checked today for drugs, then what will be checked next? And the next day? Where is the rule of law?” Fiame questioned the House.
The Prime Minister responded, prompting Fiame to remind the Speaker of the House, Auapaau, that he was the one who led the House. She said when the government issued orders, people were expected to follow them.
