P.M. threatens Olo

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 July 2018, 12:00AM

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has threatened to remove Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, from Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee.

He issued the threat during his weekly media programme where he accused of Olo of playing “dirty politics.”

Tuilaepa was not impressed with Olo over questions he raised about the performance and qualifications of Government board members.

 “This is dirty politics and that is prohibited under the Parliamentary rules,” Tuilaepa said.

As a Member of Parliament, the Prime Minister said Olo should understand that there are rules that come with being a member of Parliamentary committees. One of which is to protect the integrity of the issues discussed during the sittings.

“Issues are raised during those hearings are for them to investigate; however it is not for him to raise publically because he knows the allegations are unfounded,” Tuilaepa said. 

“And this will eventually lead to his removal from the Parliamentary Committee, as there are rules in place.” 

The Committee in question is Chaired by Member of Parliament, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau. Members include Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, Toomata Aki Tuipea, Afoa Amituana’i Mauli and Olo.

Contacted for a comment, Olo rejected the Prime Minister’s claims.

 “What happened to the spirit of transparency which the Government preaches about everyday?” he said. 

“Let me remind you Mr. Prime Minister that upon the tabling of all these reports, all the information becomes public information and from there on, the public has a right to know. 

“We can’t leave people in the dark about these things. A good and an honest leader will always be transparent with every aspect of the Government.”

Olo said the Prime Minister’s threat is unfortunate.

“If he’s trying to shut me down by removing me from the Committee, that is his call. I want him to keep in mind that I was educated too and I can attain information elsewhere. I am very resourceful.”

He added that the H.R.P.P. Government always insists on transparency and accountability “but what is happening here is the opposite of that.”

Tuilaepa though disagrees.

The Prime Minister said Olo’s views are anti-Government and are deliberately expressed to stir up trouble. 

 “I have taken note of it and will look into it,” said Tuilaepa. “As I indicated earlier, this is prohibited under Parliamentary rules governing Committees .

“Information received in his capacity as a Committee member should not be used in expressing views. That’s dirty politics.”

Tuilaepa said he wants to protect members of the public from being misinformed by Olo.

“It means that the Government Ministries will no longer give the right information to the Committees, as a result of the issue at hand.” 

The Prime Minister added that Olo lacks “common sense” and he 

“acts childish.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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