The Speaker of the House, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua, suspended Sagaga No.1 member of parliament, Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio, for 24 hours for a derogatory comment he made during last Thursday’s parliament sitting.

Speaker Auapaau announced the decision on Tuesday morning, citing the need to uphold respect and decorum in the House.

“The member of parliament for Sagaga No. 1 will be removed from our parliamentary sitting for 24 hours,” the Speaker said. “If you are a deacon, then do the work of a deacon. If you are a teacher, teach. And in parliament, if you are a member of parliament, speak respectfully because you are the elected representative of your constituency.”

He added that meetings were held with Loau after the incident, where Loau admitted to making the remarks, "Se ake."

“The members of the public are listening,” Auapa’au said. “The words used were inappropriate and have affected many people. After discussions, we agreed that the consequence would be a 24-hour suspension.”

The Speaker confirmed that the comment was made on 23 October and was heard clearly over the parliamentary microphone.

In response, Loau stood and apologised to the House, the Speaker and to the Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo for the remarks.

“I apologise for my mistake,” he said. “It was not directed at the Deputy Prime Minister. It was a discussion between me and the MP for Faleata No. 3 (Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi), and I forgot that the microphone was on. I accept the decision from the Speaker this morning.”

Auapaau emphasised that parliament must set an example for the nation, noting that students from Robert Louis Stevenson College were present in the public gallery when the decision was made.

The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) member accepted the ruling and left the Chamber as the sitting resumed.