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23/03/2025

✍️Samoa Has Hit Rock Bottom🇼🇸

The chaotic manner in which the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party has collapsed is not new in Samoan politics.

In December 1985, 15 members of the Human Rights Protection Party, led by Kolone Vaai, left our ranks and joined forces with Tupua Tamasese Efi and his 12 opposition members to form a coalition government.

The first in Samoa’s history.

Many of the members behind this mass defection had the mistaken belief that a coalition arrangement could approve and implement any government proposal.

This included a major project to use Fagaloa Bay as a dumping ground for nuclear waste from American companies, with the promise of millions of dollars to enrich their constituencies and families.

However, we had a formidable opposition line-up led by the Honourable Tofilau Eti Alesana supported by myself, Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Tuiloma P**e Lameko, Fuataga Laulu, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and others who challenged the coalition government’s proposals, including the Fagaloa Bay project.

Vaai Kolone and Tupua Tamasese, realizing the powerful opposition that would be mounted against such a project, decided at the last minute to abandon the proposal even though they had a 27-member coalition government.

In the end, many of the coalition’s Members of Parliament voted with the HRPP to reject some of the government’s proposed laws.
Even while in opposition, HRPP gained the support of government MPs who understood what was best for Samoa and our people.

It was therefore inevitable that in 1988 HRPP triumphed again in the general election.

Fast forward to today, the difference between the Fiame Government and the rebel FAST Party members seems to revolve around one key issue - compliance with the rule of law!

Prime Minister Fiame and her minority government rightly insist that Party Chairman La’auli must face the charges brought by the police.

However, 20 FAST Party MPs, including the Speaker, are pressuring Fiame to exercise her authority to intervene and have the police withdraw charges against La’auli.

Why this relentless pressure? Because they have much to lose!
If La’auli is found guilty, his case would set a precedent and expose others who have committed similar crimes and offenses to police action.

Therefore, La’auli and his gang will not stop embarrassing the Prime Minister and her Cabinet.

Stormy weather, water cuts or electricity blackouts are not going to interrupt their non-stop attack on Fiame and her cabinet.
Samoa has hit rock bottom!

The government can no longer hide or sugarcoat the multitude of problems our people are facing.

There is a simple solution to put an end to these problems.
They know it, we know it, and the whole country knows it.

Our advice has been clear.

Find the courage and humility to take decisive action now.

Our nation deserves better.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Sunday 23 March 2025 -]

22/03/2025

✍️The chickens have come home to roost🇼🇸

For the last four years, through Parliamentary debates, interviews, and these letters, the Human Rights Protection Party has been warning the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party that their priorities have set Samoa on a path of economic failure and suffering.

Today's daily electricity outages are just the tip of the iceberg.
Doctors and nurses are providing care to our people in deplorable conditions.

The police are struggling to fight crime as illegal drugs and guns continue to cross our borders.

By prioritizing their $255 million tālā village projects and a useless $25 million tālā regional airport, FAST has diverted funds from EPC operations and other essential services that benefit the nation.

That $280 million tālā alone could have easily financed EPC and hospital infrastructure, as well as law enforcement.

The craziness has not stopped.

A $28 million tālā private hospital is being proposed using government funds and workers’ contributions to the Samoa National Provident Fund.

The FAST leadership has shown that they are completely tone deaf to the more urgent needs of the nation and the suffering of our people.

Samoans are taught that our culture holds us accountable and to lead is to serve.

Well at least those of us without silver spoons learned these values, often the hard way.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Friday 21 March 2025 -]

16/03/2025

✍️Forgive but never forget!🇼🇸

A Minister from the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party has privately admitted that FAST is finished.

This admission merely acknowledges what has already been a foregone conclusion.

From the very beginning, the party’s ideals and beliefs were deeply at odds with Samoa’s values — unSamoan, unChristian, and even criminal in nature.

They believed that the lies that got them into Parliament in 2021 would never catch up to them.

The extent of the FAST Party lying showed just how little they thought of Samoans’ intelligence and moral integrity.

Their claims regarding the alleged alienation of customary lands to the Chinese by the Human Rights Protection Party, along with accusations of public funds misuse by the HRPP Administration, were straight out lies.

Despite allocating one million tālā in their first budget to fund a forensic audit, the FAST government has not presented any evidence to substantiate these allegations.

Instead of uncovering corruption, what has emerged are a series of abuses within the FAST Party itself.

Now, the very members of the party are turning on each other, pointing fingers at the Prime Minister over accusations of questionable activities.

However, it is important to note that the expelled Ministers were once part of the Cabinet’s collective responsibility.
Had they not been dismissed; they would never have revealed the inner workings behind closed doors, which they are now condemning!

The truth is many of these same individuals were reportedly responsible for some of the illegal activities that have plagued the nation.

These include the 400-acre sale of government lands to American Samoa, the illegal Stock Exchange Market deal, the unlawful entry of boats and planes from American Samoa, the concealment of a witness sought by the Police (which was reported on social media), the suspicious importation of a container load of guns by a senior Cabinet Minister - the guns were allegedly confiscated by Customs but were later released without any explanation.

Then there’s a controversial multi-million tala payment to a local telecommunications company with ties to a Cabinet Minister, and the takeover of government donor-funded buses, previously used for the transportation of COVID-19 patients, by a family business owned by one of the Ministers.

All these illegal transactions have been raised in Parliament and across social media platforms.
Our people’s tolerance and endurance continue to keep our communities peaceful.

The so-called breakaway rebels in Cabinet ought to remain silent.
Instead, La’auli and his gang offer excuses that make no sense, or they simply blame civil servants or HRPP for the decisions that they made while in Cabinet.

Nothing but lies upon lies.

The recent Parliamentary debate has highlighted the responsibility of every Samoan to ensure that we elect leaders who have the integrity, intelligence and moral courage to uphold our values and culture.

Our people may be forgiving but they will never forget!

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Sunday 16 March 2025 -]

09/03/2025

✍️Confucius vs Confusion🇼🇸

A great Chinese Philosopher by the name of Confucius would be utterly confused in understanding Samoan politics of today.

This week, it took two successive votes of no confidence to sort out the real status of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party and unity between its two Leaders.

Rebel leader Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, who called himself ‘Laauliolemalietoa’, says he has the support of 20 MPs, including the Speaker, in the Party and leader and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and her Cabinet Ministers have been booted out of the Party because they do not attend Party meetings.

The real reason is, the PM should have stopped the Police charges against Laauli.

Fiame and Cabinet maintained they are still FAST Party Members.

Laauli wants Fiame and company out and he and his gang of comedians take over.

For that to happen, their member of parliament EFKS deacon conducts daily evening prayers for a miracle to happen and their services are relayed on facebook to entice overseas followers to send in more cash donations.

The Human Rights Protection Party’s small contribution was to provide a test whether the split within the FAST party was endemic or pandemic.

The first HRPP vote of no confidence from our mini HRPP opposition was outrageously conclusive on the surface, to the simple minded.

The second vote of no confidence, only a few hours apart, provides not only the final test of the identity of the hardcore rebels, but also revealed the real support of the suspended La’auli supporters in cabinet.

The future of the minority government has become even more uncertain.

And Samoa continues to remain in suspense of what the next show shall be!

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Saturday 8 March 2025 -]

02/03/2025

✍️Game of Numbers🇼🇸

In Tuesday's debate on the vote of no confidence, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa referred to the matter as a game of numbers.

She obviously saw a glass half-full.

In my "no confidence" speech, I openly acknowledged that we lacked the numbers to win.

However, I made it clear that our vote was not about the immediate outcome, but rather a powerful warning to both current and future leaders of Samoa.

It was a call to end the abuse of power by any government that hides behind our tradition of silence and respect for authority.

The Human Rights Protection Party in Parliament will not tolerate such behavior.

We now know that La'auli no longer has a legitimate claim to Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi government leadership.

That deception evaporated with his no vote.

What the world also saw, was the hypocrisy and lack of integrity in the FAST Party leadership.

The FAST Party Chairman simply lacked the moral courage to back his empty words.

For weeks, Samoa watched as his faction of the FAST Party relentlessly attacked their Prime Minister and her cabinet.

Through their letters and social media announcements, La'auli's faction undermined Fiame's leadership and credibility.

In his long 5-minute speech in Parliament, La'auli again launched another attack on the Prime Minister.

A few minutes later, he voted to support her remaining in office!

That speaks to the caliber of the man, he who says one thing and does another.

Yet, he had the audacity to threaten that another vote of no-confidence could be called at any time.

With the result of the no-confidence vote, Fiame holds on to her Prime Minister ship.

La'auli continues to be the white elephant of Samoan politics.

Fiame plays a game of numbers, La'auli plays a game of manipulation.

While both play their games, the people of Samoa continue to suffer from their collective incompetence and greed.

Laauli's gang has again sounded another vote of no confidence of their own before this Parliament sitting ends.

It was clear that the votes they cast this week were all about convenience and FAST Party election promises.

Let us see how long this latest desperate power play lasts, now that Fiame has served La'auli's purpose.

Following the vote of no-confidence, Fiame now becomes the sole proud owner of Samoa's electricity shut-downs and rationing, the drug epidemic, out of control cost of living, increasing gun and violent crime, deteriorating infrastructure and health services, the Hong Kong stock exchange scandal, Togitogiga land lease and sale, border violations and the ongoing million tālā village project scams.

Welcome to your reality.

Meanwhile, we believe the vote on the LTC reforms failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, primarily because the Speaker cast a deliberate vote which is illegal.

As a result, a court challenge must proceed to protect our nation from leaders who lack integrity.

As the famous saying goes, there's no honour amongst ...!

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Sunday 2 March 2025 -]

01/03/2025

New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs says 847 Samoans have been granted New Zealand citizenship under a new law.

22/02/2025

✍️A Warm Welcome to the “Spokesperson for the Fast Government" 🇼🇸

It is refreshing to finally read a letter to the Editor from a "Spokesperson for the FAST Government."

It took 4 years, but they've finally taken my advice on the importance of establishing this role!

Better late than never to acknowledge your mistakes.

There are still minor details to sort out, such as which part of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party he represents.

Is he the Spokesperson for Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s FAST Government or the FAST Party led by La'auli Leuatea Schmidt?

These are teething problems that the new spokesperson will eventually sort out.

You know that your country is in deep, deep trouble when the spokesperson for a sitting government uses power cuts and rationing, the out-of-control high cost of living, and the number of post-election court cases that the opposition has lost to justify why the FAST party should remain in power.

Think about it.

His first letter to the Editor would have been an excellent opportunity to explain to the nation how the daily lives of people have benefitted economically from the millions squandered on wheelbarrows and barbed wire – many of which were resold by the recipients, the investment in a Hong Kong stock exchange, illegal sale and lease arrangements at Togitogiga, a flooded regional airport and the deplorable state of our roads and hospitals.

What has the sitting government done to address the rising rate of violent crime and the drug epidemic in the country?

The Spokesperson for the FAST Government did not bother to explain how the FAST Government has helped Samoans cope with their daily struggles.

Instead, it's the same old blame game.

The answer is simple.

The Spokesperson has nothing to show for 4 years of leadership.

It has been all about travelling and failed economic and social policies.

The Human Rights Protection Party inherited an economy in ruin.

We fixed it.

We had a plan to serve the people, and we lifted Samoa from poverty to being a player on the international stage.

As for the constitutional crises, HRPP has always studied these issues carefully before launching legal challenges.

That is why the courts upheld our constitutional arguments in 5 different cases.

In addition to the Constitution of Samoa, there are a couple of books in the library that the Spokesperson may wish to read that explains the history of Samoa's economic recovery and development from 1982 to 2021.

On the role of Statesmen in nation building, real leaders leave it to the people to decide who are the giants and who are the footnotes of history.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Saturday 22 February 2025 -]

22/02/2025

✍️Facts on Funding a Snap Election!🇼🇸

The recently dismissed Cabinet Minister and Chairman of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party continues to express his opposition to calls for a snap election, citing concerns over a lack of available funds in the budget.

This raises important questions.

Where was this concern when numerous reports over the misuse of public funds were raised over the last 4 years?

This didn’t seem to matter when he was globetrotting, dancing and singing all over the world using public funds.

Under the Constitution, the government is permitted to allocate up to 3% of the approved budget to cover unanticipated expenditures, subject to subsequent parliamentary approval through a supplementary budget.

Furthermore, the practice of virement allows savings from underutilized budget items to be redirected to meet unforeseen priorities.

These facts simply confirm the former Cabinet Minister’s level of ignorance about the laws governing the use of public finances and his obsession with spreading misinformation.

It is also clearly the reason why the FAST Party and the nation finds itself in this constitutional mess.

The patience of the country has reached its limits with the never-ending nonsense that he continues to share.

More importantly, Samoa cannot continue to accommodate a government in perpetual training.

We have come too far as a nation.

Our people and children deserve a better future.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor (1) ; Thursday 20 February, 2025 -]

16/02/2025

✍️As it began, so shall it end!🇼🇸

As the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party began its administration, so will it end, in a Constitutional Crisis.

Hon. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s grip on power has significantly weakened, with only five MPs standing in her support, while a commanding 29 MPs have aligned themselves with Laauli Leuatea Schmidt’s faction.

This imbalance underscores the growing instability within the government.

Meanwhile, Hon. Laauli himself is embroiled in legal troubles, facing multiple charges for alleged breaches of the law.

According to the Constitution, a Prime Minister who no longer holds the confidence of at least 27 MPs must resign, allowing the people to decide through a snap election.

Yet, Fiame appears either unwilling or unable to acknowledge this reality.

Laauli’s side, including the Speaker of the House continue to maintain the illusion of FAST’s unity.

The Attorney General remains inactive, offering legal advice only when asked, while the Head of State simply waits.

In response, HRPP has sought the Court’s direction on the ongoing constitutional crisis.

If the matter remains unresolved outside of Parliament, HRPP will move a motion of no confidence against Fiame’s minority government at the next sitting.

Should the Speaker attempt to exert his authority unlawfully, we will again challenge his actions in court just as we have, 5 times before, and won.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Saturday 15 February 2025 -]

16/02/2025

✍️The Speaker Doth Protest Too Much!🇼🇸

The Honourable Speaker, Papali’i Li’o Ta’eu Masipau's response to my letter to the Editor underscores the points that I raised regarding the perception and reality of impartiality.

It is evident that the Speaker is unaware that, like Judges of the Court, the dignity of the position requires maintaining silence and refraining from issuing public statements and press releases on social media and newspapers.

My comments, therefore, were intended as “constructive guidance."

He clearly carries the unenviable heavy burden of balancing his constitutional responsibilities as Speaker with his duties as a senior member of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party.

The question of the confidence in Fiame Naomi Mata’afa's Prime Ministership is certainly not going away and remains confusing in Parliament.
However, what is clear is the Speaker's views on Fiame's leadership abilities having signed the FAST Party letter on that subject and made certain rulings in connection with what to wear in Parliament to embarrass the PM even more.

When political leaders put forward proposals in these public opinion columns it is for the consideration of the people of the nation.

Such is the case with raising the idea of an independently elected Speaker, which is done in other countries.

So, while we appreciate the detailed technical explanation of the role of constitutional offices and how public proposals become law, that is not the point of this political discourse.

These issues are beyond individuals and the offices they hold.

It is what is best for the country and its people.

This is about nation building and lessons that Samoa has learned from the constitutional crises that have arisen during these turbulent times.

Over the last four years we have experienced the difference between the theory of accountability, transparency and the rule of law and what it takes to actually uphold it.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Wednesday 12 February 2025 -]

09/02/2025

✍️Constitutional Crisis and the Speaker’s Independence🇼🇸

The current constitutional crisis is complex and has many players.

One of them is the Speaker of the Parliament.

It is clear from his actions that the current Speaker cannot conduct the business of the House in the independent and impartial manner that the nation requires.

Once this political crisis is resolved, Samoa must consider electing a future Speaker who is not affiliated to any political party to protect the independence and integrity of this important constitutional office.

The current Constitutional crisis, sparked by the collapse of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Government, has brought this issue into sharp focus.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa commands the support of 15 members of the FAST Party, while 20 others back the leadership of La’auli Leuatea Schmidt.

The Speaker, however, is part of the 20 members who dismissed the Prime Minister and several Cabinet members from the FAST Party, thereby directly contributing to the ongoing constitutional turmoil.

He has undeniably played a significant role in this crisis.

Furthermore, the Speaker's open involvement in fundraising events for the FAST Party in New Zealand, Australia, and the USA raises further concerns about his impartiality.

These public actions demonstrate a clear lack of independence in his duties as Speaker.

It is not enough for the Speaker to merely be independent.

His independence must be visible in both his words and his actions.

As the rift within the minority government deepens, with factions within the FAST Party continually dismissing one another, we must remember that upholding the rule of law is paramount.

While the rebel cabinet minister must face charges before the courts, it is equally crucial that the leader of the minority faction respects the rule of law and does what is right.

Samoa’s political stability depends on the integrity of our public institutions.

Ensuring that the Speaker of Parliament is truly independent is a critical step in restoring public trust and stability to our political system.

There is a limit to the nation’s patience.

Four years is a long time for a political party to learn and understand its role and responsibilities as a government.

Watching the ruling party squabble and blame everyone else for their incompetent leadership has become a national embarrassment.

Samoa needs leaders who will put the needs of our people and country first.

It is time to lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Sunday 9 February, 2025 -]

07/02/2025

👌💙

✍️The Constitutional Crisis Must be Resolved Now!🇼🇸

Last Monday, members of the Human Rights Protection Party Caucus made a collective decision to withdraw from any further Parliamentary Committee meetings, on the belief that the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is unconstitutional.

This decision was necessary to uphold the Constitution of Samoa, as the government is now in the minority with just 15 members in the House who have broken away from the main Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party leadership.

The main FAST faction, led by La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, now commands 20 seats including the Speaker.

Meanwhile, the HRPP holds 18 seats.

The Constitution of Samoa clearly states that the Prime Minister must be elected from among the Members of Parliament who command the confidence of the majority.

Considering the current parliamentary composition, it is evident that the Honourable Fiame no longer commands this majority, and thus her leadership is no longer constitutionally valid.

Recent parliamentary sessions have highlighted the deepening divisions within the government.

La’auli’s group made a public display of solidarity, first wearing red coats and later changing into their white attire.

In stark contrast, Fiame’s faction, including Cabinet Ministers, chose to wear black.

The Speaker allowed this public display of division to escalate by setting aside the established parliamentary practice of wearing black on Thursdays so that La’auli’s side could continue their symbolic protest.

This action disregards parliamentary protocols that are meant to govern the conduct of Parliament.

In addition, the Speaker, in an unprecedented move, allowed many of the FAST MPs to sit behind the Opposition party, further breaching established seating protocols and undermining the stability of parliamentary procedure.

The discord in the FAST Party has been years in the making.

As Prime Minister, Fiame turned a blind eye to the many unethical and illegal actions of the FAST cabinet members.

She only took a stand when their illegal demands threatened her Prime Ministership.

As she and the FAST Party continue their infighting and fashion parade, the people of Samoa grapple with significant real-life challenges: high cost of living, crime and deteriorating essential services infrastructure.

The government that the people of Samoa elected has failed to honor their commitments to serve the nation with integrity.

It is time for new elections, and to return the decision-making power to the people.

The people must decide who will truly represent their interests in Parliament and lead their government.

In 2021, Fiame used the decision of the courts and Constitution of Samoa to loudly demand that the HRPP government step down.

Will she and her government now do the honourable thing under that very same constitution?

The nation awaits.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Thursday 6 February, 2025 -]

07/02/2025

✍️The Opposition and the Rule of Law🇼🇸

One key lesson learned from our present turbulent parliamentary term has been the role of a vigilant, capable and proactive opposition in our democratic process.

After the turmoil of the 2021 election, it became clear as the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi government took shape that Samoa needed a loyal opposition to uphold the rule of law.

FAST did not have the experience in leadership, and it was obvious that they had no real plan for the development of Samoa.

The role of the opposition is not fully understood by many Samoans, who grew up believing that being in the opposition carried a certain embarrassment, even shame.

Many believed this meant you were on the “losing side.”

At the time I joined parliament, I saw firsthand the importance of the opposition role, as we fearlessly challenged the disastrous policies and heavy-handed tactics of the government of the day.

There were many stories of fierce exchanges of those days in parliament that are part of our history, retold with some comedy and colorful twists.

But those hard-fought battles focused on the needs of our country and struggles of our people.

As Prime Minister, I often encouraged opposition members of Parliament to organize themselves into a shadow cabinet and hold our HRPP administration accountable.

To support their efforts, we provided the opposition leader with a vehicle.

We even allocated $200,000 annually in the budget for officially recognized political parties in Parliament to cover their expenses, and helping to reduce reliance on business donations that could lead to corrupt practices.

Even when our party held an overwhelming majority in the House, at times reaching up to 95% of Parliament’s membership, we still relied on our self-created backbenchers to raise concerns and offer constructive criticism of our government policies.

In many democracies, the opposition is referred to as the alternative government, challenging the policies of the ruling party in parliamentary debate.

Over the last four years, Samoa has come to better understand the role of an opposition that upholds the Constitution of Samoa and never backs away in the face of intimidation.

There is no shame in being in the opposition.

That is a constitutional role to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency.

As Samoa has now seen, the opposition is the people's last democratic line of defense against tyranny, deceit, incompetence and divisive leadership.

The scars of this parliamentary term will heal and soon be a distant memory in Samoa’s history.

We will emerge stronger as we continue this journey to being a truly independent nation, proud of its faith, culture and traditions.

God bless Samoa.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Saturday 1 February, 2025 -]

26/01/2025

🫶

✍️Troubled waters require a moral compass! 🇼🇸

The opening of the current session of parliament highlighted the value of Samoan culture as leaders observed proper protocols and set aside internal party politics to focus on the business of the House and the needs of our people.

More importantly, it showed that our Samoan culture can offer peaceful options when individualism brings division and hate.

Unfortunately, the nation understands this calm period may only be temporary as we are again in another constitutional crisis as long as the leadership challenges within the FAST Party remain unresolved.

Based on their social media announcements and letters between their factions, it's clear that the ruling Party continues to explore increasingly impractical options for survival as the government of the day.

HRPP has carefully considered its position and will not compound the mess that the FAST Party has created by taking any irresponsible actions that could lead to the early dissolution of Parliament and an expedited 2026 general election.

Many MPs do not favour this option which the country cannot afford as the government can barely meet its financial obligations.
However, in these uncertain times, we must think strategically.

Currently, the Prime Minister commands a Cabinet of 15 MPs, six of whom were ousted by the FAST Party.

Laauli, the former Minister of Agriculture who has publicly challenged Fiame's leadership within FAST leads with 20 MPs, while the HRPP holds 18 MPs.

This shifting balance of power has made the situation more unpredictable.

The reality is that the Prime Minister no longer commands the majority in Parliament.

This is a crucial factor that could prompt the Head of State to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections.

Meanwhile, ongoing court cases will undoubtedly shed more light on the unfolding leadership drama and trigger more interesting legal maneuvers.

If anything, it ensures that Samoa's political landscape remains exciting as ever.

Our historians and storytellers will certainly have much to talanoa about the five years that Samoa suffered through self-inflicted turmoil and drifting aimlessly in the big blue Pacific Ocean.

We need to bring this ship safely back to shore.


Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP

[- Letter to the Editor; Sunday 26 January, 2025 -]