Samoan MP dies in NZ

Apia: Samoa’s Parliament yesterday marked the death of firstterm MP Va’afusuaga Toleafoa Ken Poutoa (54), who was in New Zealand receiving medical treatment.

The Lefaga ma Falease’ela MP left Samoa a week ago and died in New Zealand on Tuesday.

Speaker of the House Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi announced the news in the Samoan Parliament’s final session yesterday before the April’s general election.

Parliament marked the death with a moment’s silence.

Toleafoa is the second MP of the ruling HRPP party to die while holding office in the current term.