Samoa Tautua and HRPP MPs to play role of opposition

It appears unlikely the Samoa opposition Tautua party will be recognised within parliament, with the Prime Minister instructing some of his own MPs to play the role of opposing the government according to RNZI's correspondent.

Under the current standing orders a political party must have eight MPs in order to be recognized.

With the Tautua party only securing three of the 50 seats in the general election, party members had called on the new government to consider lowering that number.

However, according to our correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is unlikely to do this.

"They consider to have the three MPs of the Tautua to be independents in parliament, and plus 19 other HRPP MPs, who will not be appointed as associate ministers, to play the role of opposing the government."

Autagavaia said just 13 MPs are expected to be appointed as associate ministers this year.