Parliament Speaker Papalii Lio Masipau says internal matters concerning a senior M.P. are going through the normal parliamentary process, and he has no intention to vacate his seat. 

The senior M.P. in question is the elected representative for Sagaga No.1 Loau Keneti Sio whom an online media group reports is the recipient of a letter from the Speaker over his absence from the sessions of a parliamentary committee. 

But Papalii has dismissed the reports, which stated that the absence of Loau from a parliamentary committee meeting for three consecutive days, allegedly led to the Speaker warning of his removal. The report also claimed that the Speaker, in his letter to Loau, claimed that his absence was in breach of the Standing Orders of the House. 

However, in an interview with the Samoa Observer this week, the Speaker said Loau continues to exercise his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament and he has no intention of vacating his seat. 

“It's internal matters but Loau is still carrying out his responsibilities,” said Papalii. “I also have no intention of vacating Loau’s seat and any question on his membership has to be referred to the Court like the case of the three resigned M.Ps. 

“The Speaker also stands to protect the seat of the respective constituency and their member.” 

 Papalii added there are parliamentary procedures in place and matters pertaining to the M.P. will go through the normal process. Loau was contacted earlier this week for comment and responded by saying he was unaware of the reports. 

Meanwhile, the constituencies of Faleata No. 4, Siumu and Va’a o Fonoti will head to the polls next week to elect their Members of Parliament to occupy the vacant seats for the remainder of the current parliamentary term. 

The former MPs for the three constituencies had their seats vacated after they admitted to a parliamentary charge by the Speaker that questioned their membership following their resignation from the Opposition party. 

The matter was referred to the Supreme Court for determination and was withdrawn by consent when the parties agreed to return to the by-elections. 

 The Legislative Assembly will convene again on 24 October 2023 after its scheduled sitting in August was deferred. 

The Speaker referenced the heavy workload that has occupied Parliamentary Committees and ongoing deliberation on several legislative amendments as the reason behind the deferral.