Police have perused a file on a defamation complaint against the Opposition Leader and forwarded it to the Attorney General’s Office for review, as it has recommended the veteran politician be charged.

The Member of Parliament for Lepa, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is the subject of a complaint lodged with the Police by the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai. 

Olo had accused Tuilaepa of defaming his reputation in relation to public comments he made about a Government-owned Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle that is being used by the Minister. 

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the investigation has been completed and referred to the Attorney General’s Office for review, when contacted by the Samoa Observer on Wednesday. 

He confirmed that there are recommendations to press charges but it is subject to a review by the Attorney General’s Office. 

“I cannot disclose that information [as] it has been referred to the Attorney General for review,” Auapaau said, when asked by this newspaper what the recommended charges were against Tuilaepa. 

“The Attorney General’s Office represents Cabinet Ministers and the reason why the file has been referred to them for their review and carriage.” 

Attempts have been made to obtain comments from the Attorney General, Su’a Hellene Wallwork. 

Police began their investigation into the matter in the beginning of August. 

The complaint is one of three matters filed by members of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party against individuals including Tuilaepa. 

Tuilaepa had accused Olo of ignoring Government policy and Treasury Instructions on the purchase of Government official vehicles when making purchases in Australia. 

He claimed the Minister could have bought the vehicle locally at a discount price. 

Olo at that time described Tuilaepa’s statement as "very inaccurate", saying the vehicle was a registered Government truck under the Ministry of Transport registry. 

He added the vehicle was funded under the Apia Waterfront Project and that the project has not been officially handed over to the Government of Samoa. 

There is currently another defamation complaint under investigation lodged by the political party against a female and connected to members of the party. 

Earlier this month a defamation complaint, which led to a criminal libel case against a Sydney based-radio announcer, was heard before the District Court and subsequently quashed.