A Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee has been appointed to investigate allegations of defamatory and “treasonous” conduct against senior Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) leaders.
Those named are Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy Opposition Leader Fonotoe Lauofo Pierre Meredith and HRPP Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.
Speaker of the House Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua announced this week that, after reviewing submissions and supporting documents, he was satisfied there were sufficient grounds for the matter to proceed to committee investigation.
The inquiry stems from a motion moved by Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt during Parliament’s April sitting.
The Prime Minister alleged the three opposition leaders had repeatedly made defamatory statements against the Government and engaged in conduct described as treasonous following the 2021 constitutional and political crisis.
According to statements made in Parliament, the allegations relate to public accusations against the FAST Government and continued attacks against the Prime Minister and Cabinet through media interviews, parliamentary exchanges and social media commentary.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa told Parliament there were more than 200 pieces of evidence, including media reports and public statements, to support the allegations.
The Prime Minister also referenced previous contempt findings against Tuilaepa and Lealailepule arising from attacks on the judiciary during the 2021 political impasse.
During debate earlier this year, Tuilaepa again accused the Prime Minister of lying, while Lealailepule had allegedly warned that La’auli’s term as Prime Minister would be “short-lived.”
The matter was first raised during the 17 March sitting but was deferred to allow the Speaker time to review the material and ensure compliance with Standing Orders and due process.
The Parliamentary Committee has until 20 October 2026 to report its findings back to Parliament.
Deputy Speaker Afamasaga Leone Mati Masame will chair the committee, with HRPP MP Faumuina Opapo Oeti serving as deputy chair.
Other members are Lenata’i Victor Tamapua, Tilafono David Hunter, Fiu Ponifasio Vasa, Vui Sione Iiga, Motuopua’a Henney Papalii, Mau’u Siaosi Pu’epu’emai and Fa’alogo Kapeliele Fa’alogo.
The committee will examine whether parliamentary privileges, Standing Orders or any laws were breached, including Standing Order 15, and recommend what action Parliament should take if violations are established.
Standing Order 15 of the Parliament of Samoa relates to the conduct and behaviour expected of Members of Parliament during parliamentary proceedings.
In general terms, it deals with matters considered disorderly, improper, offensive or disrespectful within Parliament, including language or conduct that may undermine the dignity, integrity or authority of Parliament and its members.
In the current case involving the HRPP leadership, the reference to Standing Order 15 suggests the committee will examine whether statements made by the opposition leaders, both inside and outside Parliament, breached parliamentary standards.
Behaviours include being defamatory, insulting, misleading, disruptive or damaging to the integrity of Parliament.
The full Standing Orders are published by the Parliament of Samoa.
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