Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was told to leave the parliament again on Wednesday after arriving 20 minutes before the expiry of his 24-hour suspension, prompting a firm rebuke from the Speaker of the House during the final sitting of the year.

The parliamentary sitting resumed after the first break at 11:20 am, according to the official Parliament of Samoa Facebook page. Tuilaepa was already seated when proceedings resumed.

The Speaker of the House, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua, expressed his disappointment and ordered the opposition leader to leave. 

“The opposition leader is sitting in his chair, but the 24-hour suspension is not completely up yet,” the Speaker said. “It is best you leave and come back when it is time for you to come back.”

The Speaker reminded Tuilaepa that he was to return at exactly 11:40 am following his suspension on Tuesday. 

Tuilaepa stood and requested permission to speak, but the Speaker denied the request and instructed him to leave the chamber, stating his decision was final.

Tuilaepa accepted the ruling, responding, “ia ua lelei, o le a ou alu.” “ok, I will leave.”

As he exited the chamber, Tuilaepa later said, “ifo atu ia te oe,” which means that “I am bowing to you.” 

Tuilaepa did not return to parliament at the time indicated by the Speaker and did not make any further comments during the final parliamentary sittings of the year.