The former Speaker of Parliament, afioga Papalii Li’o Taeu Masipau, says he and the Deputy Speaker shall continue in their offices until the next Parliament meets.
In a press release from the Office of the Speaker published on the Legislative Assembly Facebook page on Tuesday evening, Papalii says the appointment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall not be suspended or terminated on the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly.
“They shall continue until the next Parliament is convened or until a new Speaker is appointed.”
Papalii quotes Section 30 of the Legislative Powers and Privileges Ordinance Act 1960 as the legal authority for he and the former Deputy Speaker to stay on despite the dissolution of Parliament.
Samoa’s Parliament officially dissolved today, 3rd June as decreed by the His Highness the Head of State.
The early dissolution of Parliament after the Government’s Appropriation Bill seeking approval of the Budget was rejected by 34 to 16.
Members of Parliament cease to be MPs and their salaries also cease as of 3rd June 2025.
The Speaker also refers to media publications where he was said to be “free riding” by Caretaker Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and says he must respond to “the uncertainty of the Head of the caretaker government for the benefit of the nation”.
The Speakers duties during this time are not limited to the ordinary sessions or rendered ineffective. The legal provisions governing the Speaker’s regular duties remain unchanged and clearly defined.
The Speaker shall continue to carry out its legal duties, including safeguarding the integrity of Parliament, ensuring the proper conduct of its proceedings and overseeing preparations for the convening of the next Parliament.
This position is not “free ride”, but rather a Constitutional post with specific duties and delegations with recognition of the independence inherent n every stage of Parliamentary procedure.
Speakers Press Release
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