BREAKING NEWS: HRPP Members Threaten Breakaway in Samoa

Written by Pio Sioa
Thursday, 14 February 2008
A protesting group of parliamentarians in the ruling Humans Rights Protection Party, are reportedly threatening to resign over the controversial Right Hand Drive policy by Government. A well placed source told Newsline that a spokesman for the rebel group will officially state their concern in a party caucus meeting tomorrow (Friday local time). The group leader is expected to also inform the caucus that they will vote against the RHD Bill when it comes up for debate in Parliament. At least 7 HRPP members are reportedly involved. The Newsline source said the group has held a series of meetings over the past few days to voice concern and to agree to breakaway from the party if they have to. Frictions inside the ruling party have been simmering since the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, announced the road switch policy last year. He has managed so far to convince members to hold faith with the party, but all that may change after tomorrows caucus meeting. More than 10 thousand people joined a march to Parliament last year, to protest against the Government move. Public protest is being co-ordinated by PASS, People Against Switching Sides, led by prominent lawyer, Toleafoa Solomona Toailoa. Enjoy the Yes Minister version of a reshuffle Comments (9) Subscribe to this comment's feed Allelujia!!! written by Joyce Samuelu, February 15, 2008 I hope that this will happen. thank God to these great 7 members if they stand up for what they beleive in and also for what I beleive their Constituencies beleive in. To these 7 heroic members, the majority of Samoans locally and overseas are behind you all,, be brave and do what is right. Soifua ... written by Concerned, February 15, 2008 Agree with Joyce. I hope these brave members reject the RHD bill from parliament and also break away from HRPP to form a new party. This is the only way to stop the PM and his cronies it seems as they don't listen to the people anymore. Change written by Jerry Ah Kuoi, February 15, 2008 Those members are showing an incredible amount of courage, if this is true. And if the Ruling HRPP Caucus take their concerns to mind, it can only be for the betterment of both Samoa and HRPP. We look forward to this new development. Thank you Newsline for keeping the public informed both in Samoa and Overseas. Malo le tautua mo Samoa. Good on you.... written by MUS, February 15, 2008 Have a heart! Show the country you have principle and integrity. Need more politicians like you who cannot be led blindly by a leader. God bless Samoa... bravo to the braves written by Harry. A, February 15, 2008 Im sure theres more than seven caring members in the HRPP. Where are the ones who promised their allegiance and their voices on behalf of the constituency before the election? Or have they forgotten the people who voted them in?? Common HRPP, there is still a chance for democracy and for the people who are affected with this nonsense RHD change. The economy is not going well atm, the cost of living is way too high for the ordinary citizens and the salaries simply cannot compete with the faalavelaves and family expenses anymore. hence the increase in crime and theft esp. There are more important issues the govt should be worried about rather than dragging everyone down the drain with this pathetic change :O Id like to see more brave MPs standing up on behalf of their own people and not just sitting there like doormats for the PM and HRPP. All thanks to those who are doing their jobs sincerely and without intimidation from the PM and its pack of bullies. HRPP MEMBERS THREATEN TO BREAK AWAY written by David "Kawika" John, February 15, 2008 It is wonderful to hear of this news! Hope it is for real. I too am very concern of what is going on there in the motherland especially with the news of our country's fearless leader and his intentions to change the way our people drive on the highways there in Samoa. I'm not really worry of the the RHD cars per say, but I'm a little concern of how our Prime Minister is so adamant and ignoring what the majority of the public's concerns and also those in the Business sectors of the country. Some of his comments posted on the media lines are very much in the arrogant spirit, almost like telling everyone that he is the only one capable of doing anything he wants simply because he is the Prime Minister. My hat off to those 7 members of the same party that have the fortitude to stand up and be counted. I salute them all and the author of PASS and all those who are in support of driving on the right hand lanes of our highways in Samoa. Sir written by Nikolao, February 15, 2008 Horray! now thats what a democatic government should be practicsing. I thought my country has been sold out. These 7 MEN and I emphasize the word because the rest of the other members of the party are not men enough to put aside their personal gains and status instead to stand up for what is right and proper for Samoa. I challenge the rest of the other silent ones and they know who they are to also follow suit. It is not too late. Needless to say if this new movement goes through this will re-enforce the way policies and laws are passed. You men will make a difference for Samoa and her affairs.... and will make history. Malo le taumafai ma le tu faa tagatanu'u ALL MPS ( HRPP & OPPOSITION) MUST VOTE WITH HONESTY & DIGNITY on this RHD Bill written by Fuamatu Fasavalu Etena Toailoa, February 15, 2008 MPs should treat this as a conscious vote. It's obvious the Govt (HRPP) is going ahead with RHD, regardless of the many professional opinions against it, even The Central Bank. If the change goes ahead, then so be it. Let's then prepare for any consequences. It looks like the economy is going to get worse before it gets better. On the roads, there may be more traffic accidents and offences. Lives may be lost. And as we pray on those victims funerals, let's just remember God gave us the chance to review that law from all sides before passing it. God bless us all. Where are the other ministers who call themselves champion of the people? written by Concerned, February 16, 2008 I can't help but wonder where Misa Telefoni is in all this. He's always in the papers preaching about helping the people and yet he's very quiet throughout all the RHD deliberations. All those other ministers and MPs please stand up for the people that voted you in and stop this madness. Follow your hearts and your conscience but not what the HRPP leader dictates. Ia foai pea e le Atua le tofa mamao i sui ia o lea tulai mo tagatanuu o Samoa. Manuia Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Friday, 15 February 2008 )

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