parliament

Former Fiji PM Frank Bainimarama resigns from Parliament

Bainimarama, who was the opposition leader, made the announcement via a five-minute video on Facebook on Wednesday.

He said his suspension on February 17 was "unwarranted and most certainly unjustified".

"I did not swear nor did I make any racist or divisive comments," he said.

Former Fiji PM Bainimarama suspended for breaching parliamentary privilege

It comes after the former prime minister said the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere had failed to protect the Constitution and the rule of law in his opening statement for the 2023 parliamentary session on Monday.

The FijiFirst leader will be out of Parliament until 17 February 2026, after a midnight vote as both sides of the House clashed over Bainimarama's suspension.

Leader of government business Lynda Tabuya said Bainimarama's words "denigrated" the Head of State when he uttered "seditious words".

Money not the problem, La’auli tells Parliament

Savali newspaper reports La’auli’s frustrations were prompted by the unsubstantiated on-line gossips and innuendoes claiming that either Government is on the verge of financial bankruptcy or Government is broke.

La’auli’s comment is substantiated by Central Bank of Samoa’s Economy Report for the first 4 months of the Current Fiscal Year, which states that the Government’s Gross Official Foreign Reserves is at $785.32 million tala at the end of October 2022 which is “1.7% higher than the same month last year.”

Samoa Opposition question temporary halt of Seasonal Work Scheme

MP Lea’ana Ronnie Posini expressed concerns about this issue citing the Scheme has helped a lot of families in the country reports Radio Polynesia. 

He said this can affect people’s opportunities for their work overseas. Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio explained the decision was finalized by Cabinet for a temporary period and cited a number of concerns factored into their decision. 

New parliamentarian takes oath of office in Samoa Parliament

Fo'isala Lilo Tuu Ioane contested the by-election as an independent earlier this month and won.

The district's seat became vacant following the death of Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini.

Representatives from three villages in Gagaifomauga No.2 presented their elected member with gifts in the traditional form yesterday.

Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt thanked the constituency saying they welcome their Member of Parliament with open arms and encouraged him to have faith, be strong, and do right for Samoa as is the motto of the party.

Samoa govt criticises four different versions of the controversial Lands and Title bills

Niuava Eti Malolo made this statement to parliament during deliberation on a report on the different copies of the bills that seek to revamp the judiciary.

Niuava blamed the former Minister of the Office of the Legislative Assembly, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, for the oversight that led to the different copies.

He said if the bills had gone through the normal procedures the "changes" would have been flagged.

Samoa's Opposition without leadership following Parliament ban on Tuilaepa

Tuilaepa and the HRPP's secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi were suspended indefinitely without pay on Tuesday from Parliament following a formal complaint by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio.

The complaint led to a report with the recommendation they both be suspended.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa told Parliament an indefinite term of suspension is appropriate to monitor Tuilaepa and Lealailepule's behaviour and set a precedent for future reference.

The pair have also been denied their usual privileges payments during their suspension.

Samoa's HRPP leader suspended indefinitely from Parliament

A formal complaint by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio was lodged against the two senior MPs claiming they had brought Parliament into disrepute when they were convicted by the Supreme Court on contempt of court charges.

Chairman of the Privileges Committee Valasi Tafito Selesele presented a report with the recommendation of suspension for an indefinite term to Samoa's parliament on Tuesday morning.

New era for women's representation in Samoa

The swearing-in follows a court ruling issued by Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese, Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, and Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai.

The new MPs - Ali'imalemanu Alofa Tuuau, Faagasealii Sapoa Feagai of the Human Rights Protection Party, and Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi member To'omata Norah Leota - increase the number of seats in the House to 54.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa congratulated the women and welcomed them saying it had not been an easy journey so far.

Samoan court rules Parliament will have three new women MPs

The Samoa Observer reports the decision means the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) will have two new members, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu'uau and Fa'agaseali'i Sapo'a Feaga'i, while the ruling FAST party has one additional member, Toomata Norah Leota.

This boosts the number of seats in Parliament to 54.

The decision, however, makes little difference to FAST's majority as it now has 31 seats to the HRPP's 22.

One seat is yet to be decided with the pending by-election for the Gagaifomauga 2 seat which became vacant after Va'ele Iona Sekuini died suddenly last month.