Speaker La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao reminded yesterday that the running of Parliament is done according to the “authority” vested in him.
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Said he: “Our aim is commit everything to the Lord but (when it comes to) the planning and programmes (of things in the House); that is my discretion.
“The Order Paper is planned out using the authority of the Speaker.” La’auli made the comment in response to questions raised by the leader of the Opposition Party, Palusalue Fa’apo II.
The Safata M.P. questioned the government’s promise to discuss the Officers of Parliament Committee report during the current session. The report in question confirms instances of “corrupt practises” within some government bodies that were highlighted by the Controller and Chief Auditor’s report. Minutes into yesterday’s Parliament session, Palusalue wasted no time.
“Mr. Speaker, you have laid down your plan and you have clearly spoken that there is no need to worry (in the absence of Prime Minister Tuilaepa) since Parliament is in good hands with the presence of the Acting Prime Minister, Cabinet, that side (H.R.P.P) and this side (Tautua),” said Palusalue.
“I have a question about the report from the Controller and Chief Auditor, especially the Officers of Parliament Committee that investigated it. I see from the Order Paper for today that this report is not there at all. Let me remind you that the country is waiting, this (debate) is what the country is waiting for.”
Palusalue argued that Parliament should explain why the report has not been discussed “since the country is silently praying that this report will be discussed.”
Speaker La’auli immediately intervened. “I understand your opinion,” he told Palusalue. “(But) what’s going on (then),” Palusalue fired back. “Are we waiting for the Prime Minister to come back?”
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La’auli said this was not the case. He said Palusalue should have read his papers properly. “I thought you would have looked at the Order Paper handed to you,” said Laauli.
“Your claim that this report has been removed from the Order Paper is not correct. Look carefully at the page where it’s on. This House has passed the order of our work. So don't be alarmed, nothing has changed.”
The Speaker said the report in question “is not a matter that should be taken lightly by Parliament.”
“You know that we are all praying for a speedy recovery of our Prime Minister, he is the one that is mostly affected by this report because he is the Minister of all the Ministries you are accusing. That’s why you should stay calm.”
The Speaker reminded Palusalue that he also questioned “our prayer last week.” “Don't question God,” he said.
“Our aim is commit everything to the Lord but (when it comes to) the planning and programmes (of things in the House); that is my discretion. The Order Paper is planned out using the authority of the Speaker.”
The Speaker said Palusalue and his party should just get ready for the debate. But Palusalue wouldn't stop.
“Why then have you made it (debate of the O.P.C report) last?” he asked. At that point, the Speaker had had enough. He ordered Palusalue to sit down.
“Leave it to me to plan our work, the good Lord is not short of days.” La’auli said Parliament has at least “70 reports to look at” which means there is a lot of work to be done.
Earlier, Palusalue thanked Speaker La’auli for including Prime Minister Tuilaepa’s medical visit to New Zealand in his prayer.
“Thank you Mr. Speaker for your special prayer,” he said. “
Allow me to speak on behalf of our party to express our well wishes and best regards to the Prime Minister to get well soon.
“I also extend our best wishes to his wife and family in their role of looking after the Prime Minister. May God grant him strength so that one day soon we will be reunited here.”
Before the official part of the day started yesterday, the Speaker also cautioned Members of Parliament. “If anyone has the pink eye virus, you shouldn't be with us (here in Parliament),” he said.
“You all know what has happened with schools… we don't want the House to be affected. We have to be obedient to the doctors as the leader of the country has taken the lead by travelling to New Zealand (for medical treatment).”
Before the end of yesterday’s session, Acting Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, moved a motion for Parliament’s hours to return to 9am to 1pm, as opposed to last week where an evening session was held from 7pm to 11pm. The motion was supported and passed. Parliament resumes at 9am today.
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