The M.P. of Lefaga and Falease’ela, Toleafoa Ken Poutoa, is currently in New Zealand for a medical checkup and hopes to return home before April’s general election.

His wife who accompanied him, Vaela’a Poutoa, confirmed when contacted by the Samoa Observer that they left the country a week ago and are currently in quarantine in New Zealand for the final week. 

She said they hope to be back on the island following the completion of Toleafoa’s medical checkup and before the polling.

The Speaker of the House, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi, announced his absence in the Parliament on Tuesday and added that he has travelled overseas for medical treatment.

Presiding over the final sitting of this term of Parliament, Leaupepe said he is reminded of Toleafoa on these days because the M.P. is always prepared to address the Legislative Assembly.

This was after the Speaker ordered Members to use the opportunity to address the assembly during deliberation of the Supplementary Budget 2020/2021. 

“I hope he is recovering, the Member for Lefaga and Falease’ela who is overseas for treatment,” Leaupepe told the Parliament.

“The member is often the one that opens the floor in discussions on main budgets or even the supplementary budget. 

“He is probably listening through technological mediums but these opportunities often remind me of the Member who is always prepared on these mornings.” 

A businessman by background, Toleafoa was a Board Director of the Samoa Shipping Corporation before he entered the Parliament in 2016.