Leader of the Opposition Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy Leader Fonotoe Lauofo Pierre and Party Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi will be investigated by a Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee over allegations described as defamatory and treasonous.

The Speaker of the House, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua, told parliament this week that, in his opinion, there was substance to the allegations and that the matter should be referred to the committee for investigation. The matter stems from a motion moved by Prime Minister Laaulialemalieto Leuatea Schmidt during the April parliamentary sitting, when the allegations and supporting documents were submitted for the Speaker’s ruling.

Auapaau said the matter had been postponed from the 17 March 2026 sitting to allow him to carefully review the submissions before deciding Standing Order 65. He said Parliament remained committed to observing the rules set out in the Standing Orders and that a review was necessary to ensure due process. The matter has now been referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee.

However, at the last parliamentary sitting, Laaulialemalietoa alleged that the deputy leader of HRPP, Lauofo, had signed cheques for the purchase of illicit drugs; cheques obtained by the Samoa Observer showed that Lauofo had not signed them.

The eight-member committee has been tasked with investigating the allegations and reporting back to Parliament by 20 October 2026.

Deputy Speaker Afamasaga Leone Mati Masame has been appointed chairperson of the committee, while Faleata No. 1 Member of Parliament and Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) member Faumuina Opapo Oeti will serve as deputy chairperson.

Other committee members are Lenata’i Victor Tamapua of the HRPP; Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) members Tilafono David Hunter, Fiu Ponifasio Vasa, Vui Sione Iiga and Motuopua’a Henney Papalii; and independent Members of Parliament (MP) Mau’u Siaosi Pu’epu’emai and Fa’alogo Kapeliele Fa’alogo.

The committee has been given eight terms of reference. These include examining whether the actions of the three Opposition MPs breached parliamentary privilege and legal protections; assessing whether there was any conduct unbecoming of Members of Parliament; and reviewing how laws dating back to 1960 relating to parliamentary powers and privileges apply to the case.

The committee will also determine the impact of the alleged conduct on parliamentary standards, investigate whether any laws or Standing Orders, including Standing Order 15, were breached, and consider the consequences for any MP found to have violated parliamentary rules or protections. The committee will also make recommendations on how Parliament should respond and submit its report by 20 October 2026.