Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa says, her government has no strict policy on set quorums for Cabinet meetings but, on these matters, they rely on common sense.
She was responding to criticism from Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, last week, about Cabinet Ministers travelling overseas leaving a few to hold the fort and make decisions at Cabinet meetings.
Tuilaepa made the criticism during his weekly press conference this week, claiming that it is illegal for the Cabinet to make “difficult decisions,” if they do not have a quorum in the Cabinet.
Fiame, however, told a press conference yesterday, that this was a Human Rights Protection Party policy and her Cabinet is not bound by it.
Tuilaepa said, too many ministers were away overseas and wondered who was handling their ministerial duties.
“That should be their priority to serve the country and our people.”
Fiame said, the Constitution stipulates that whatever decision is made by the Prime Minister and Cabinet is final.
“So we are following what is in the Constitution.”
“Those are not very strict policies, we use common sense.”
