Samoan MP resigns as suspension debate takes place

Apia: A former Speaker of the House in Samoa, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Schimidt, has resigned from Parliament halting debate over a Parliamentary Privileges Committee recommendation of a three month suspension for the former government MP.

Last month the Gagaifomauga 3 MP accepted a decision from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to leave the Human Rights Protection Part after a long-running dispute. According to the Prime

Minister, Laauli had breached party policy by not supporting a constitutional amendment for a new division of constituencies to be put in place for next year’s general election. More recently Laauli had been found guilty of misleading the House by a Parliamentary Committee over allegations regarding the sourcing of a generator for the country’s new prison. The MP intervened in a debate on the matter by tendering his resignation.