28 October 2025 Parliament of Samoa, Mulinuu Apia. A member of Samoa’s Parliament who had uttered a swear word under his breath during parliamentary proceedings last Thursday, has been suspended.
MP for Sagaga 1 and former Minister of Education, Hon Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio was handed his 24 hour suspension notice by Speaker of the House, Hon Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua.
Loau was addressing Parliament last Thursday 23 October on the budget debate, when he was interrupted by Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo.
Ironically, Toelupe was speaking about upholding the integrity (mamalu) of Parliament, when the words, “se ake ia” (se’i tulou) were heard over Loau’s microphone, which was still on.
Loau has explained that what he said was not directed towards the Deputy Prime Minister, but something he had said jokingly to the Member of Faleata 3 sitting next to him – forgetting that the microphone was on.
Videos of the incident were widely shared on social media, from the public debate aired by Parliament for the transparent viewing of citizens.
At the time of the incident the Speaker announced in Parliament that an investigation would be launched.
The Speaker told Parliament this morning that the Sagaga 1 MP had apologised for the incident during meetings yesterday and again this morning.
The Speaker called on Members of Parliament to uphold the integrity of proceedings.
“As leaders, you should be setting the example..”
The use of derogatory words by Samoans over social media platforms has deteriorated to a low state of derogatory personal abuse and heightened false allegations.
The Speaker addressed this as a most concerning issue, noting that several Members of Parliament have raised the same concerns during their parliamentary addresses.
Before taking his leave, Loau apologised to the Speaker, as well as to the Deputy Prime Minister and Parliament for his behaviour.
He explained that what he said was not directed at the Deputy Prime Minister, but a word he had said jokingly to the Member of Faleata 3 sitting next to him – forgetting that the microphone was on.
Loau also offered his apologies to the public and to Samoa, as he accepted his 24 hour suspension.
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