The Opposition Leader has been put on notice by the Speaker for his numerous attempts to intervene during the Government's responses and speeches in the House. 

Papali'i Li'o Ta'eu-Masipau was not happy with the antics of the Anoama'a No. 2 M.P. Lauofo Pierre Lauofo claiming that he has allegedly "breached" parliamentary Standing Orders. 

He also described the actions of the Leader of the Opposition as "degrading" towards the Chair of the Legislative Assembly. 

Lauofo was warned by the Speaker after he interceded during Government responses to queries raised by Members of Parliament on the Appropriation Budget 2023/2024. 

He took the floor on Wednesday afternoon, while the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesome was responding to the numerous concerns raised by Members of Parliament relating to his sector. 

Lauofo reminded Toelupe of one of the concerns he raised when he spoke generally on the budget about the telecommunication tower within the Samoa College compound in Vaivase. 

He wanted to know whether the Government had plans to relocate the telecommunication tower following the re-opening of the Fagali'i airport. 

The former deputy prime minister said it can be seen as an obstacle and can threaten the safety of the aircraft when they approach the airport to land. 

In response, Toelupe explained that negotiations are underway between the relevant sectors to ensure that "proper action" will be undertaken. 

The Minister for Civil Aviation, Olo Fiti Va'ai then stood up and further clarified that the concern raised by the Opposition Leader were all part of the issues they looked into when they were preparing to re-open the airport. 

"So the survey and inspection conducted on the safety of the airport also included all the things that you have raised. But for your information, the telecommunication post the leader of the opposition is referring to is outside of the safety zone.

"The specifications required and safety of the airport were approved by those who did the inspection and why we got the certificate, confirming that it's safe for usage. That is something lawyers would not understand."

Toelupe then added to the explanation from Olo, assuring the House that they will take action to address the concern raised by the Mmber as there are two towers and not one. 

"The Member only raised concerns about one tower, but there is another tower within the area."

It was at this point that Lauofo interceded again and said: "That's even worse if there are two towers. I only mentioned one but I am aware there's another tower and I say this because it's not safe because if an accident happens and the aircraft crashes onto the towers, it will affect the lives of the people."

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries then joined the debate and responded to the claims from Lauofo. 

"Just leave it to us," La'auli Leutea Schmidt said. "The pilots are not stupid and they would not go crash into the towers when landing."

Toelupe then stood up and explained that when an aircraft is built there is a safety factor applied to it and it will not be operated by someone who did not receive any training or certificate to fly an aircraft. 

He further explained that the safety of the aircraft and airports is not assessed locally but by officials from the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (P.A.S.O.). 

However, unsatisfied with the explanations from the Ministers, Lauofo took the floor again, despite interjections from the Speaker, and insisted that it was the pilots who informed him of the issue. 

Olo then stood up again and acknowledged with appreciation the concern raised by the Opposition Leader. 

"It's a very valid point," Olo said. "There's that saying that it's better safe than sorry so we acknowledge the concern raised by the Member and we will work together with the Minister (of Communications) about what should be done. 

"Whether we relocate the towers or not."

Olo also responded to his claims that the concerns were raised by pilots and said that the operation of aircraft is regulated by the Civil Aviation Office and aviation laws. 

Lauofo then took the floor again to respond to the "safety factor" of aircraft claims from Toelupe, saying there is also a human factor to it and there have been a lot of accidents because of the recklessness of pilots. 

The Speaker then interjected and expressed his disappointment at the actions of the Opposition Leader. 

"I have warned you so many times," Papali'i said. "I have been very patient with you and out of respect I let you speak whenever you feel like it. But I think it's time I should make a decision because you have breached the Standing Orders. 

"Therefore, pursuant to Parliament Standing Orders, I will now ask Cabinet if they want to move a motion to have the Opposition Leader removed from the session."

However, Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa begged to differ and said that while she agreed with the Speaker on what he said about Lauofo's behaviour, she did not move a motion to have him removed.

Instead, she asked the Speaker to "be patient" and give the Opposition Leader another chance. 

"Maybe his behaviour will improve," said Fiame. 

The Speaker then acknowledged the suggestion from the Prime Minister and then proceeded to warn Lauofo. 

"This is your final warning," Papali'i said to Lauofo. "You stand up when you feel like without any regard to the Chair. And when you stand up, you turn your side to the Speaker as if you're ignoring what the Chair is saying."

Parliament continues this week.