Despite its absence from much of Parliament’s fourth consecutive sitting week, the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party dominated debate in the chamber on Friday. 

Several speeches on Friday were devoted to condemning independent M.P.s who had chosen to attend the F.A.S.T. party's roadshow series in Savai’i in favour of attending Parliament. 

A trio of M.P.s: Lotofaga’s Fiame Naomi Mataafa; Urban West’s Faumuina Wayne Fong; and Salega East’s Olo Fiti Vaai only attended Monay and Tuesday sessions of Parliament this week. 

F.A.S.T.’s leader, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, only attended the session on Monday.

Apart from La'auli, who told the Samoa Observer, he had sought approval before taking leave from Parliament, the Speaker of the House, Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi, said the other three were absent without notice. 

Parliament standing orders, amended in 2016, state that no member should be absent from the Legislative Assembly for three consecutive sitting days without first obtaining leave from the Speaker. 

Failure to adhere to the orders can result in suspension from Parliament, Leaupepe said.  

Fiame, Olo and Wayne returned to their seat on Thursday after missing two consecutive days of Parliamentary sitting but left their seats empty again on Friday.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, accused the four Members of showing contempt for the dignity of Parliament and neglecting their duties to "have fun" in Savaii.

The Member of Parliament for Gagaemauga No. 2, Faasootauloa Pati Taulapapa denied claims made by F.A.S.T. during a roadshow in his constituency.

He said that the opposition party had alleged that he had sat idly while the seat of Saleaula was removed in the redrawing of the national map of electoral constituencies. 

During Thursday’s session of Parliament, the Minister of Agriculture and incumbent Vaisigano No. 1 M.P. Lopao'o Natanielu Mua, engaged in banter with Olo while requesting a ban on phones in Parliament.

Lopao'o subtly pointed to the side of the chamber on which Fiame, Olo and Wayne were seated, saying they were more focused on their cellphones than debate. 

"It seems after they missed the fono yesterday and the day before without notice or with false excuses... but that's the point Mr. Speaker. I am not demanding you Mr. Speaker, but this is something that needs to be corrected," he said.

"We continue to sit by while they declare so many things while they are out, but we are remaining patient, but patience has its limits."  

Olo took the floor to tell Lopao'o "don't worry" saying such things are all part of the "game" of politics.

"The Minister's statements show that he is worried about the programmes of the F.A.S.T. party meaning he may be nervous about his votes,” Olo said.

“Election is a sport, you don't need to cry."

Tuilaepa, in response, slammed Olo's characterisation of politics as a "game"; Lopao'o, in turn, scoffed at the claim he was worried. 

Leaupepe said the independent M.P.s were neglecting their duties at the expense of public funds.

The Minister of Education, Loau Keneti Sio, added to the discussion saying the pronouncements at a F.A.S.T. roadshow in his constituency on Saturday had caused disquiet.

Loau then called on Aele, a village of his constituency, Sagaga No. 1, not to be deceived by the sweet words. 

Tuilaepa also said that unrest caused by “false” F.A.S.T. claims were concerning for their potential to stoke conflict among Samoan overseas.

The Speaker then seized the opportunity to advise the constituencies not to let outsiders influence their thoughts and choices, referring to the F.A.S.T. party's presentation in his own constituency. 

Referring to La'auli, Leaupepe said people from Savai’i should not tell people in Upolu what to do, calling it an "embarrassment" to the integrity of the constituency system. 

"We will rely on God as I believe the country does not need to be reminded that Samoa is an inherited country, with cultures and traditions already earmarked by our forefathers," he said. 

"Mr. Prime Minister and whoever will be in Government after the election, we should put in place limits to ensure that nothing like this happens ever again."

The Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Fio Purcell, on behalf of all other Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) members from Savai’i, declare the island was not affiliated with the party. 

"F.A.S.T. is not a party from Savaii," he said as he requested for the Speaker's comments to be removed from the Hansard. 

The Associate Minister of M.C.I.T., Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, as a former opposition M.P. stated he feels sorry for the independent M.P.s attempting to be on the opposition side because they do not know what it is like to be on the opposition. 

Lealailepule, a founding member of the Tautua party, switched his allegiances to the H.R.P.P. party in 2016.

"[After] they crossed the floor to develop the opposition side, my spirit laughs silently when I look at them, I sympathise with them; they are not used to the opposition side," he said.

"See? It has not even been a few months and when we say things they up and leave. The Legislative [Assembly] is convening and they are away.”