Suspended Lepa M.P. and veteran politician Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has welcomed the criminal libel complaint the Minister of Works has filed with the Police against him.

The former prime minister and Opposition leader, who was suspended for two years on Tuesday by the Legislative Assembly, told the media in a press conference on Wednesday that he is confused why Olo Fiti Va'ai continues “making announcements.”

"Please go ahead and proceed. I don't know why he keeps making announcements instead of going ahead and doing it," Tuilaepa said. 

"It only tells that he's nervous if keep making threats...he should just go ahead and do it."

Tuilaepa said the complaint filed by the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure with the Police will become an “embarrassment” for Olo in his own constituency.

"I am telling you this, it will only backfire and will bring shame to his constituency. He (Olo) is still driving around in a Government-owned vehicle with a private number plate as if it's his own.

"The car does not belong to him...it belongs to the Government."

Last week Olo challenged Tuilaepa and said he is not backing down from his complaint and added that his case against Tuilaepa should be a "lesson" for the suspended leader. 

Olo added that he is happy to pursue the case as it will give Tuilaepa the opportunity to present his evidence in court and prove the claims he's made on his live-stream programs. 

The Minister then challenged the veteran politician on the outcome of his criminal libel case, saying if he won the case then Tuilaepa should retire as a politician as well as as party leader and if the Opposition Leader won the case then he will resign as a Minister and an M.P.

"If I win the case, he can retire as the leader of the party and resign. However, if he wins the case, I will resign from my ministerial post and as a Member of Parliament."

Olo said he is looking forward to the case proceeding, as he is keen to hear the evidence Tuilaepa claimed he has to substantiate his claims. 

He has accused Tuilaepa of defaming him when making public comments about a Government-owned Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle which the Minister is currently using. 

The Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed in a recent interview that the investigation had been completed and referred to the Attorney General’s Office for review.

He said the Police recommendations were for charges to be pressed but that finding by the Police is subject to a review by the Attorney General’s Office.