The statement in Parliament by the Minister of Agriculture during last Thursday evening’s Supplementary Budget session, that the Leader of the Opposition Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi should have never been allowed back by the court to sit in parliament, raised questions on the way our parliament meetings are conducted.

The Speaker also referred to the same reason why he appealed against the Supreme Court decision which declared illegal the suspension decision by Parliament.

This was unfortunate. It explains the impossible conditions under which the Human Rights Protection Party can effectively perform its functions in Parliament.

The Prime Minister later reminded that the appeal decision is still pending and therefore, Members should refrain from raising matters before the Court.

However, the damage to the dignity and integrity of the independence of the court had already been done.

The checks and balances of power between the branches of the government must be observed.

HRPP members were also directed that the Supplementary Budget debate should be closed early to allow for the government to proceed with its programs.

It is the constitutional right of all MPs to speak freely both in and outside Parliament regardless, of whatever threats are posed by a government in a hurry.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP