3 controversial bills

A parliamentary select committee has been on Savai'i to hear submissions on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020, Land and Titles Court Bill 2020 and Judicature Bill 2020 since May.

The Samoa Observer reports that submissions included concerns over limits to the number of matai, and the slow speed of decisions at the Lands and Titles Court.

The bills sparked controversy when first tabled in parliament in March with critics saying they would undermine the constitution and judicial independence.

The select committee will now begin consultations on Upolu.

A Parliamentary committee member and MP for Falealili, Fuimaono Te'o Samuelu Te'o, revealed the decision when he addressed a march attended by close to 100 protesters.

The protest was organised by the Samoa First party.

Fuimaono told the protesters the bills will not go to parliament until the views of the public, especially local matai, were sought.

The government MP also thanked the protesters for bringing their opposition against the three bills to the committee for discussion.