The controversial Right Hand Drive Bill was finally tabled in Samoa’s parliament after months of debate between the government and a local consortium, People Against Switching Side (PASS). Samoa’s top non-government body has now stepped in, disappointed at government’s decision to throw out a petition against the Bill.
Samoa Umbrella for Non Government Organisations (SUNGO), as a member of the People Against Switching Sides (PASS) Committee, attended Parliament on to hear the outcome of the Petition's Committee report on the proposed RHD bill put forward by the parliament.
Whilst yet to determine if the Bill will go through, given it is supported by 2/3 of Parliament, it has appeared that Government is not holding back with the road switch, despite the People's Petition supported by more then 31,710 signatures.
However, the People Against Switching Side are steadfast on the issues and strategies for Government to consider the Rights of the People as expressed and their contribution to issues affecting the wellbeing of its citizen. This is based on the foundations and principles of Transparency and Accountability of any Government to the people who elected them to power.
The Samoa Umbrella for Non Government Organisations hails the courage of the 3 HRPP Members of Parliament that have already indicated their support for the PASS Committee and Institute of Professional Engineer's petition against the report produced by the Petition's Committee to Parliament in the last 2 days. These MPs included Hon Hans Jochaim Kiel, Afioga Muagututia Siaosi Meredith and Afioga Palusalue Fa'apo II, plus members of the Opposition, and have given hope to Civil Society members that Samoa's integrity and Democracy can be maintained, even if its means losing all the benefits of being an MP.
Members feel that the Petition Committee lacks the following in their investigation;
• Economic issues and the added burden to the tax payers on the cost of change
• Safety of the people on the road and cost of precious lives
• Lack of responsibility of Government to honour the contribution and input from citizens.
One of SUNGO's members stated that the government continues to manufacture reports to support what the government wants despite what their professional organisations views as flawed statistics and figures.
Source: SUNGO
