The Samoa government is considering separating the Lands and Titles court from the current authority of the Judiciary Commission chaired by the chief justice, Patu Falefatu Sapolu.
Samoa’s Chief Justice, Patu Falefatu Sapolu Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
In a speech to parliament, the Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi revealed that the Attorney General's office is drafting a new legislation for the separation as well as the formation of a commission to administrate and make guidelines for judges.
Tuila'epa strongly criticised the judges of the Lands and Titles court for not accepting the parliamentary committee's request for them to appear before the inquiry.
He says it was a disrespect of parliament and they were too scared to appear because the judges knew they would be providing answers to the many allegations of dishonesty raised by several people against their rulings and decisions.
Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
But one ruling party senior MP, Tafua Maluelue, has begged for government and parliament's forgiveness.
However, Tuila'epa responded by telling the house the discussion on the matter is not about forgiveness but to do justice for the people who voted them in.
The Prime Minister says once Parliament has passed the new proposed legislation all positions of the Lands and Titles Court will be re-advertised.
