Samoa former Speaker of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao, has been removed from the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP).
The decision was confirmed by the HRPP Whip, Alai’asa Moefa’auo Moananu, during an interview with the Samoa Observer.
Alai’asa said the HRPP Executive unanimously reached the decision last month.
“That decision (to remove La’auli) was made three weeks ago,” he said. “Everything was spelled out in the letter (from Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi) and that letter detailed the reasons behind the decision.”
Alai’asa explained the decision to remove La’auli from the party was more than what was reported in the media.
“There were many things that he (La’auli) was involved in with his private businesses,” he said.
“He should have done the right thing to protect the government and his name by resigning from his private business. If you have read the letter from the Prime Minister he had advised La’auli some 5 – 10 years ago not to be involved with those businesses and move away from it."
“The case between him and Peseta rolled over from the other Parliamentary term and he had to resign (as Minister of Agriculture) due to that. We accepted his decision (to vote against Constitutional amendment).”
Told that La’auli insists that his position to vote against the Constitution amendments was to voice his constituency’s view on the law, Alai’asa said that is La’auli’s interpretation.
“It is clear that what he did is enough to let us know that he is no longer in the party,” he added.
The Whip reiterated the decision to remove La’auli was to protect the HRPP party “from any destruction from similar matters in the future from other MPs”.
Contacted for a comment, La’auli denied the claim from Alai’asa that the Prime Minister in his letter stated that he is removed from the political party.
“He (Tuilaepa) did not say that,” assured La’auli.
Asked to comment on claims that his involvement with his private businesses contributed to the decision, La’auli said: “There is no one in Parliament that is not involved in (private) business.”
La’auli declined to comment on whether he accepts the decision from HRPP to remove him from the political party.
“I cannot say what the decision (on that matter) is you will have to wait until it comes out,” he said.
“I will let you know once the people that appointed me in the position (as MP for HRPP make a decision. I had met with my constituency and they will prepare a press release on the outcome of our meeting and decision (whether to remain with HRPP or leave).”
The “people” that La’auli is referring to is his constituency. He assured he will respond to the letter from the Prime Minister through writing as well, soon.
Meanwhile, Alai’asa acknowledges the work and contribution of La’auli as a senior member in the political party. He maintains that his position as the Whip for HRPP is to maintain the unity of the political party and ensure harmony among members.
Asked what will happen to La’auli if he is removed from HRPP. Alai’asa said he will become an independent member.
He explained from experience during 2006 – 2011 parliamentary sitting – two MP's that were registered under HRPP left the party and became Independent MPs.