31 Jul 2007

Former leader of SDUP in Samoa denies joining ruling HRPP

8:45 am on 31 July 2007

The former leader of the Samoa Democratic United Party or SDUP, Le Mamea Ropati, denies he has joined the ruling Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP.

The Samoa Observer says the speculation was prompted by Le Mamea cutting the ribbon to open a new bridge at Lalovaea recently.

Le Mamea told the Samoa Observer he hasn't joined the HRPP.

He said he was invited to cut the ribbon to open the bridge and he said that such projects do not belong to a party, but to the country.

The veteran politician resigned from the SDUP after a leadership row with Asiata Saleimoa Vaai who now heads the party.

His resignation together with the late Sililoto Tolo resulted in SDUP not having the number of members required to be recognised as an official party in Parliament.