PM warns MPs over businesses

By Marieta Heidi Ilalio 29 January 2025, 11:00PM

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warned members of parliament to be ready to face criticism for benefiting from their parliamentary positions after some mentioned how their businesses were being impacted. 

Fiame was referring to comments made by MPs on the Finance and Expenditure Committee Report on the Annual Report of the Samoa Post Office for the Financial Year 2022/2023.

"I noted that some of you were mentioning having a business and another one mentioning how expensive it is to take cocoa overseas," she said.

"I don't want parliament to be noticed by people as being a place for businesses and getting benefits for ourselves," she added.

Fiame didn't mention any names elaborating that it was a wake-up call for all MPs not to talk business while debating on the reports in parliament.

Member of parliament for Salega No.1 Fepuleai Faimata Su'a said that even though his name was not mentioned by the PM, it was he who made remarks on the high costs of fees to send cocoa overseas through Samoa Post.

"I wasn't mentioning anything about having a business, I was just sharing my view on how expensive it was to send cocoas overseas through the Samoa Post Office," Fepuleai said.

"I just want to clarify that I don't have a business."

Fiame again responded that she did not mention any names but the way the comments were made about cocoa sent overseas seemed like business talk and it was a piece of advice for all members of parliament to keep in mind that they were elected to serve Samoa not to do business.

The Finance and Expenditure Committee Report on the Annual Report of the Samoa Post Office for the Financial Year 2022/2023 was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.


By Marieta Heidi Ilalio 29 January 2025, 11:00PM
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