A fiery debate between the Minister of Police and the Chair of the Whole House Committee Lord Tu’ilakepa erupted into a full-blown confrontation in Parliament today, culminating in the Speaker calling security to remove the Minister from the House.
The Speaker suspended the duo following the incident.
The political relationship between the Minister of Police and Tu’ilakepa had long been strained, particularly during debates on government bills and policies.
Today’s clash erupted as the House discussed a proposed amendment to the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, submitted by the Minister of Law, Mo’ale Finau.
Piukala and Tu’ilakepa exchange escalated into a heated argument, culminating in the Minister daring Tu’ilakepa to a physical fight.
While the livestream session was unclear on subsequent events, it seemed the Minister advanced toward the noble with aggressive intent.
Moments later, Speaker Lord Fakafanua intervened, ordering security to escort the Minister out of the chamber.
The confrontation follows last week’s incident when Piukala challenged Tu’ilakepa after the Chair remarked that he was considering making the Acting Prime Minister wear women’s clothing instead of formal men’s attire.
That heated exchange began during a high-stakes session where the Minister urged the Chair to ‘hide what was in his heart’ and warning that the public could see the remark as demeaning to the Acting Prime Minister.
Yet the Chair retaliated by threatening to eject him from the House.
Tempers flared as voices rose, with the Minister at one point slamming his fist on the table.
Tu’ilakepa, attempting to defuse the situation, ultimately apologised to both the Minister and the Acting Prime Minister.
