Samoa's parliament Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Samoa's HRPP caucus chose not to speak on the motion to suspend its leader the former prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and the party secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi from parliament.
Just the two ousted members spoke.
Tuilaepa skirted the penalty and spoke on the importance of the role of the judiciary.
"Where else do we go to for justice?" he asked.
Lealailepule was more emotional, shedding tears as he said he would accept the decision if adopted by the House.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: Screengrab
He thanked Tuilaepa for his steadfast and unwavering leadership.
"If I never become a member of parliament again, I am grateful to have served under the best," he said.
The two have again been suspended from Parliament for a period of 24 months by a vote of 29-19 in the House.
They had just assumed their seats after an initial indefinite suspension on 24 May 2022 that was overturned by the Supreme Court.
Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The suspension was again recommended by the Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee after the court said the penalty should be revisited.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said this was a chance to ensure that Parliament was on a sure footing for the future.
She was disappointed that there was no apology forthcoming from the two members.
In accepting the committee report and recommendation Fiame, told her party members they were free to speak on the matter and vote how they wanted.
The two members were instructed to leave the chamber after the secret ballot was counted.
Fiame Naomi Mataafa Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The suspension has come after a complaint lodged in court by Fiame claiming contempt of court by the duo and other party members over comments they made against the judiciary following several court decisions which did not go the HRPP's way.
The Supreme Court found Tuilaepa and Lealailepule guilty along with a senior lawyer Maiava Visekota Peteru but said these were special circumstances and did not impose any penalty.
But the deputy prime minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio wrote to the Speaker to charge the pair with bringing Parliament into disrepute when they were convicted of contempt of court.
The Privileges and Ethics Committee chaired by Minister of Health Valasi Tafito Selesese then recommended suspension.
