Pacific

Samoan Government MPs form breakaway political party

07:54 am on 24 February 2014

Several MPs of Samoa's ruling Human Rights Protection Party have broken away to form a new political party.

The members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Finance Minister, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, and demanded he resign over allegations of abuse of office and mismanagement in the performance of his ministerial duties.

However the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi last week told media the decision on the minister's fate was final and the other MPs needed to forgive Faumuina.

The MP for Siumu constituency, Tu'uu Anasi'i Leota, has confirmed he has been selected as the leader of the new party.