Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Papali'i Li'o Taeu-Masepau called for respect and unity within the parliamentary chamber as members engaged in tense interactions on Thursday. 

The reminder came from Papali'i amidst a debate during which issues of parliamentary decorum and the quality of ministerial responses were brought to the forefront.

The debate began when the Minister for Justice and Courts Administration, Matamua Vasati Pulufana, addressed questions raised by members related to the Constitution Amendment Bill 2024. 

Opposition member Alai'asa Sepulona Moananu from Anoama'a No.1 expressed dissatisfaction with the Minister's responses and persisted in seeking further clarification. 

His dissatisfaction led to insinuations that Matamua's responses were "written by others" implying that the Minister's speech was not her own.

This insinuation was met with immediate backlash from the Minister of Public Enterprise, Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo, who defended the integrity of the Minister's responses. 

Leatinu'u emphasised that the work of the ministry involves substantial contributions from the Chief Executive Officer, management, and staff and that these contributions are integral to providing accurate and informed responses in Parliament. 

He perceived Alai'asa’s comments as an attempt to undermine the Minister’s efforts and belittle her role.

In response to the tension, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, called for a more constructive approach, urging members to allow Matamua the opportunity to address the issues without interruptions. 

Despite La'auli’s plea, Alai'asa maintained that his actions were in line with parliamentary procedures and standing orders, which allow members to raise follow-up questions if they have concerns about ministerial responses.

The situation escalated further when Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, took the floor to express his disappointment over Alai'asa's remarks. 

Toelupe criticised the derogatory tone of the comments, arguing that such remarks aimed to discredit elected leaders and had become a troubling pattern of behaviour from the opposition. 

He voiced frustration over the narrative that perpetuated a negative perception of the ruling party.

Amidst the growing discord, the Speaker intervened to refocus the debate on the substantive issues on hand, urging members to move past personal remarks and concentrate on the matters under discussion. 

Despite this intervention, veteran MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi weighed in, accusing Toelupe of being "cheeky" and suggesting that more senior ministers should have addressed the issues raised.

In his closing remarks, Speaker Papali'i Li'o Taeu-Masepau reminded the parliamentarians of their fundamental responsibilities as elected representatives. 

He emphasised that each member is accountable to their constituents and must conduct themselves with respect and professionalism befitting their roles. 

The Speaker stressed that pointing fingers and undermining one another undermines the collective responsibility of representing the people of Samoa.

Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on Friday.