This press release is made in response to the Samoa Observer Article titled “Commission of
Inquiry ordered by PM” by Joyetter Feagaimaali’i published in its edition of 3 March 2021.
The said article is erroneous in a number of aspects which I will address in this Press Release.
Firstly, the motion tabled was to propose the set-up of a special investigation committee with
the powers of a Commission of Inquiry. It did not propose to set up COI as the title of the
Article states. It is important to use the terminology of the motion tabled.
Secondly, the Hon. Prime Minister did not “order a Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of
four Members of Parliament” as the Article states. The Hon. Prime Minister, tabled a motion
which was seconded, and passed by overwhelming majority of Parliament.
The purpose of the Special Investigations Committee is to investigate possible breaches of
the Standing Orders by 4 Members of Parliament but not to silence the opposition.