Samoa deputy PM Fiame resigns from cabinet

 Samoa's deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa has resigned from Cabinet.   

Fiame who is the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed her resignation from Cabinet this afternoon.   

Fiame met with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi this afternoon where she handed in her letter of resignation.  

She told the Samoa Observer she is free.   

Fiame said she cannot sit in Cabinet and support three bills that she does not approve of.   

The three bills are the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020, Land and Titles Court Bill 2020 and Judicature Bill 2020.  Together they would create an independent Land and Titles Court (LTC) which would not be subject to judicial oversight by the Supreme Court. 

Her resignation comes just a day after Tuilaepa expressed his disapproval at her not supporting the bills. 

“I don’t mind if [she] doesn’t approve,” he said. “That is her decision which means she is no longer with this party,” said Tuilaepa.

SOURCE: SAMOA OBSERVER/PACNEWS/ PNG Today

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