12:35 pm today

No-confidence motion against Samoan PM delayed as opposition clashes

12:35 pm today
Left to right: FAST Party chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, Prime Ministers Fiame, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

Left to right: FAST Party chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, Prime Ministers Fiame, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific/123RF/Samoa Government/FAST Party

Samoa's parliament has adjourned until tomorrow due to disagreements over the contents of a new motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.

The mover of this week's motion, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, is at loggerheads with the opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Last week, Fiame survived a leadership challenge that was instigated by Tuilaepa.

She contends that there is no justification for moving another just a week later.

Tuilaepa had originally said he would endorse today's motion, but he now says he disagrees with some amendments that were made to it overnight on Monday.

The pair now need to get their final motion in writing and submit it by 12pm on Wednesday.

Speaker Papaali'i Li'o Taeu Masipau had earlier temporarily suspended parliamentary proceedings to try and resolve some of the issues.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs