The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) is set to approach the courts next week for clarity on the legality of the current political situation, which sees a minority group leading the government. 

This announcement was made by the leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, during a media session on Thursday.

Tuilaepa revealed that their legal team has been working diligently to prepare for the legal challenge. 

The Opposition intends to seek the court’s interpretation of the law surrounding the situation which they claim has created political uncertainty in the country. 

While Tuilaepa kept the specifics of their preparations under wraps, he expressed frustration with the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, accusing them of doing nothing to resolve the ongoing political turmoil.

"We’ve made it clear right from the start that we would support the government 500 per cent," Tuilaepa stated. 

"But we, as the opposition party, it is our role to question and offer a different perspective to all the projects and developments initiated by the government so that it’s constructive and balanced. 

"In saying that, if we see developments and changes that would not be beneficial for our people, we will not hesitate to object to those changes 500 per cent. However, we are in a situation where we see a group of minority members governing the country." 

Tuilaepa reaffirmed his stance, which he had previously expressed in parliament, regarding the controversy surrounding former Cabinet Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt. 

"I stand with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa that the minister who was charged needs to go and answer to the charges laid against him. That is very clear," he said.

"Anyone is innocent until proven guilty, so the truth is, the Minister is still innocent because the charges haven’t been proven by the courts. And the only way to seek justice is to allow the law to take its course. 

"So if anything, La’auli should be rejoicing and should be happy now that the proceedings to clear his name, as he continues to say, are underway."

Tuilaepa also expressed his concerns about what he perceives as selective enforcement of the rule of law. While he supported Fiame’s decision to remove La'auli from his ministerial position in a bid to uphold legal principles, he suggested that the Prime Minister had overlooked other issues. 

"The way I see it, they only wish to apply the rule of law when it suits them best. And when it’s not in their favour, they turn a blind eye to it," he said.

"They know what needs to be done, yet they seem to ignore it. The way I see it, they refuse to step down. They seem to be enjoying the benefits of being cabinet ministers." 

This selective application of the law, according to Tuilaepa, has led to the Opposition’s decision to seek judicial intervention. 

"That’s why we are going to court. To seek the court’s directive on this matter. Because we cannot continue like this," he said.