24 Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa Minister has declared to be a question or issue of confidence: PROVIDED THAT, if after the passing of such a motion or after that defeat the Prime Minister so requests, the Head of State may dissolve the Legislative Assembly instead of terminating the appointment of the Prime Minister; or (c) if the Prime Minister resigns his or her office by writing under his or her hand addressed to the Head of State; or (d) if the Prime Minister is absent from Samoa without written permission given by the Head of State, acting in his or her discretion. (3) The office of any other Minister shall become vacant: (a) if the appointment of the Prime Minister has been terminated under the provisions of clause (1) or clause (2); or (b) if the appointment of the Minister to that office is revoked by the Head of State, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, by instrument under the Public Seal; or (c) if the Minister ceases to be a Member of Parliament for any reason other than a dissolution of the Legislative Assembly; or (d) if the Minister resigns his or her office by writing under his or her hand addressed to the Head of State; or (e) if the Minister is absent from Samoa without written permission given by the Head of State, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. (4) Whenever, by reason of illness or of absence from Samoa with the written permission of the Head of State, the Prime Minister is temporarily prevented from performing, in Samoa, the functions of his or her office, the Head of State may, by instrument under the Public Seal, appoint the Deputy Prime Minister to perform those functions, or another Minister where this is not possible, until such time as the Prime Minister is capable of again performing them or has vacated his or her Office. (5) The power conferred on the Head of State under the provisions of clause (4) shall be exercised by the Head of State,