The Opposition party’s deputy leader has defended the absence of their leader and says the former prime minister did not leave parliament for "personal reasons" was on official duty travel.

Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) deputy leader Lauofo Pierre Lauofo told a press conference on Thursday that he felt compelled to set the record straight.

He said he is of the view that the absence of Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi from the country is not the reason behind a Special Parliamentary Committee not finalising its report on Tuesday this week.

Lauofo made these comments in response to the Speaker of Parliament, Papalii Li'o Taeu Masipau expressing disappointment that the absence of Members of Parliament, who are the subject of a parliamentary committee investigation, is resulting in further delays to the inquiry concluding its work.

The Speaker made the comments in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday when it reconvened. The sitting was not part of the parliamentary calendar, and was specifically held to hear the findings of the Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee, into misconduct allegations against the Opposition Leader and his party secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

It is understood Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi left the country for Dublin, Ireland last week to attend the World Rugby meeting and was scheduled to return on Sunday. 

Lauofo told the media on Thursday that Tuilaepa did not leave the country for personal reasons and had to travel as the Chairman of Lakapi Samoa.

He added that the Opposition Leader expected back in the country on Sunday but due to flight delays he could not make it back in time for the parliament session on Tuesday.

"There was no mention of the Opposition Leader's name when the Chairman moved the motion to grant them more days so they can finalise some of the things they need for the report," Lauofo added. 

"He did not say it was because of the leader's absence. 

"There was no mention of his (Tuilaepa) name and based on the Chairman's announcement, his absence is not the reason why the report isn't complete or ready to be tabled." 

Tuilaepa and Lealailepule have been accused by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio of misconduct and breaching parliamentary privileges and ethics. 

The Committee has been asked to consider whether an offence was committed by the M.P.s and an appropriate punishment towards those who commit an offence amongst other matters. In response, Leala filed a counter complaint against Tuala.

The Committee Chair and Minister for Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele on Tuesday this week advised the House that they were not ready to present their findings. 

He then moved a motion to allow more time for the Committee to complete its investigation and table its findings and recommendations by next Tuesday 24 May.

The motion was seconded by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt and was approved by the Assembly. 

Speaker Papalii told the House he was disappointed at the manner in which the business of the House was disregarded. 

He added that the only exception for parliamentary work to be delayed is to comply with the State of Emergency (S.O.E.) Orders, as he urged Members of Parliament to prioritise their parliamentary duties. 

Acknowledging that the Committee is to report back to the Legislative Assembly, he said the findings of the investigation concerning the senior M.P.s should be brought before parliament on 24 May.