A special parliamentary inquiry has been set up to look into claims made by an opposition member that a cabinet minister is hiding behind a broadcaster to allegedly defame the courts. 

Member of Parliament for Safata No.1, Leaana Ronnie Posini submitted in Parliament a file containing evidence of allegations he made against the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries La’auli Leuatea Schmidt. 

La’auli found himself being the target of accusations from Leaana alleging he was hiding behind an overseas based broadcaster that makes defamatory comments about the courts and the Ministry of Police. 

Unhappy about the allegations, La’auli demanded the member to provide evidence to confirm this and the House later approved a motion for Leaana to submit proof. 

Leaana handed over the file to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Satama Uitime Time on Friday at the expiry of 48 hours, time given for him to submit proof. 

Speaker Papalii Lio Masipau ordered a special inquiry committee to investigate whether the evidence provided by the member proves the allegations he made against the Cabinet Minister. 

The parliamentary committee has also been asked to make recommendations to guide the Legislative Assembly in going about similar incidents where members make allegations towards the courts involving those in the executive.    

The Committee appointed by Parliament is chaired by Deputy Speaker, Auapaau Aloitafua Mulipola, deputy chair is Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre. 

Other members are; Seuamuli Fasi Toma, Tuuu Anasii Leota, Niuava Eti Maulolo, Ale Vena Ale, Lautafi Selafi Purcell, Aiono Tile Gafa and Alai’asa Moefaauo Sepulona. 

The committee will report back to parliament in its December sitting with its findings. 

On Wednesday, Leaana had raised concerns about a New Zealand-based broadcaster that continued to air defamatory statements directed at a judge for being corrupt pending a trial. 

He did not name the media outlet however he urged the person to be criminally charged stressing the importance of respecting the other arm of Government namely the courts. 

La’auli interjected and defended the media outlet saying they can do whatever they want because of freedom of expression. 

He told Lea’ana if he too wants to share his views he can do so, adding that the Court has the right to respond to those involved. 

In a heated argument with La’auli the M.P. snapped back to say that Parliament should be making decisions about these people. 

He went further by accusing the Cabinet Minister of hiding behind the overseas broadcaster that is also defaming the work of the Ministry of Police.

This brought La’auli to the floor and he demanded evidence from the member to support his claims against him.

Parliament debate has been suspended and will resume again next week.