Aua Representative Faimealelei Anthony Allen was back in the House Chamber today after completing his 14-day quarantine period last Friday.
The lawmaker who returned to the territory on July 17 on a FEMA flight after medical treatment under a VA referral to Hawaii, expressed his disappointment about statements made in the House chamber which we said were untrue.
He stated he was taking other action in relation to the statements but felt strongly that the House leadership should carry out an investigation and take appropriate action for the untrue statements.
“Faimealelei is waiting and I will accept the outcome,” he said.
He quoted the Samoan proverb “Aua le amanaia le pola motu mai tua,” which means don’t listen to rumors or unsubstantiated statements, but said if the statements had been made outside of the House chamber he would not raise the issue. However he wants to protect his name and also the integrity of the House.
The senior faipule said whenever someone rises to the top others will try to bring them down.
He said he has served for many years and has poured his foresight and wisdom into House deliberations for the good of Tutuila and Manu’a so he is not taking this matter lightly.
“I am not a small person, I’m a big man,” he declared.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui apologized to Faimealelei and urged that they discuss the matter in their meeting house which would be an opportunity for he and the faipule who raised the issue to make amends.
But Faimealelei continued to call out the faipule who made the “untrue remarks” which he said have affected him, his wife an children an his district.
Rep Vesiai Poyer Samuelu had reported to the House that a witness had informed him about seeing Faimealelei in Fagatogo when he was supposed to be in quarantine.
Veseiai explained that he will not hesitate to bring up actions or behavior of lawmakers that puts the health and welfare of the public at risk.
He said when he received a report from a witness about Faimealelei’s sighting he brought it up in the chamber because it affected the lives of the public. The Pago Pago faipule was about to give more details when the Vice Speaker interrupted him and brought the discussion to a close.
Following the session, KHJ News saw Faimealelei and Vesiai having a discussion outside.
