The Member of Parliament for Vaisigano No.2, Motuopua'a Henny Papalii, resigned from parliament as an MP to join the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party on Tuesday. 

This move triggers a by-election, which Motuopua'a will contest under the FAST banner.

He told parliament that this is what his constituency wants.

"I am your servant that you voted for, prayers and support are needed from you as I am ready to leave this seat and go back to a by-election as the law says," Motuopua'a said.

"I will obey what the law says, and this is also obeying God. Thank you, my dearest constituency, for the advice (tofa sasa'a), and I apologise if there is any lapse during these few weeks I've been your MP. Please forgive me.

"Obeying you (constituency) is obeying justice and God, may God bless the Parliament of Samoa."

In response, the Prime Minister, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, acknowledged Motuopua'a for his vision and wished him all the best as he returns to the polls.

"You cannot leave just like that (e le tu'ua fa'apoevaga le tatou mafutaga), it's not easy," La'aulialemalietoa said.

"Your constituency has agreed that you should join the government, and that is justice is to go back to the polls. I wish you all the best." 

The Speaker, Auapa'au Mulipola Aloitafua, thanked Motuopua'a and wished him all the best for the next steps taken.

Motuopua'a was voted by Vaisigano No.2 during the general election last August, and it was his first term in parliament.

Motuopua'a's inauguration into the FAST Party was done last Saturday. His constituency members made the presentation to the party.