PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE HON. PRIME MINISTER – AFIOGA FIAME NAOMI MATA’AFA
Good morning Samoa;
A lot has transpired since former Cabinet Minister – Hon Laauli
Leuatea Polataivao Fosi was
charged by the police on January 3rd 2025. I wish to take this opportunity to clarify matters
culminating in my decision issued last week on Friday 10th January 2025 on Hon. Laauli, as well
as recent developments which have unfolded over the past few days.
On January 3rd 2025, charges laid against Honourable La’auli Leauatea Polataivao Fosi came to
light following an announcement by the former Minister. On the same day, I issued a press
statement underlying the essence of adhering to the rule of law and compliance with prescribed
processes and procedures to deal with legal matters.
On Friday 10 January, I had issued a public statement on the termination of Hon Laauli’s
appointment as the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries effective from 5.00pm of the same day.
This decision was made after I held discussions with Hon. Laauli on options he could consider as
stipulated in Article 33(3) of the Constitution. These included tendering his resignation or
potentially a termination of his appointment.
As Prime Minister I had hoped that the former Minister would choose to resign. This is a common
stance often considered and taken by esteemed public office custodians if allegations or charges
are laid against them. After all, Hon Laauli opted to resign from his portfolio as Minister of
Agriculture and Fisheries on August 23, 2017, following charges laid against him. However, when
the option of resignation was mooted with the former minister, this was declined, so subsequently
on Friday 10th January 2025, I issued a revocation of his appointment as Minister of Agriculture
and Fisheries.
Misinformation has since spread uncontrollably on social media platforms alleging that Hon
La’auli had been charged in connection to the death of Mr Tu’uau Maletino. I emphatically
maintain this is not true. The case and investigation into the death of Mr Tu’uau Maletino remains
open, and the Police are continuing their investigation.
However, the charges laid against La’auli and five others relate to;
1. Conspiracy to obstruct or pervert the course of justice (3 counts)
2.Conspiracy to commit an offence (fabricate evidence).
3.Harassment utilizing means of electronic communication.
4.False statement causing harm to a person’s reputation (3 counts).
5. Using insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace (2 counts).
The processing of these charges before the Courts is the only recourse to examine and determine the course of justice. At the same time, it is important to observe the presumption of innocence that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The consequences and impact of this matter on the Executive Government particularly on the
integrity of Cabinet are substantial and significant as they border on respect for the rule of law,
processes and procedures that everyone regardless of status are required by law to follow, and
reflect the level of accountability and transparency in the justice system.
When the FAST Party came to power in 2021, we committed to champion the Rule of Law. That
has not changed and we remain steadfast to that call.
The unfolding of the current situation among the FAST party caucus, has brought about
divisiveness leading to questions pertaining to confidence in my leadership as Prime Minister.
Some members are taking sides with Hon Laauli questioning the way his charges have been
handled.
In response to the issue of confidence in my leadership as the Prime Minister, I convened meetings with each Cabinet Minister yesterday to determine their level of confidence and trust in my
leadership. It is pivotal to note that confidence in the Prime Minister is a two way process. One is
the Prime Minister’s confidence and trust in her Cabinet that they can work as a collective in the
discharge of their portfolio responsibilities, and two, is the Cabinet Ministers’ confidence to work
with the Prime Minister. At the completion of our meetings yesterday I made the decision pursuant
to Article 33(3)(b) of the Constitution to revoke;
i. ii. iii. the appointment of Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o as Minister of Women,
Community, and Social Development;
the appointment of Hon Leota Laki Lamositele as Minister of Commerce, Industry and
Labour; and the appointment of Hon. Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo as Minister of Communications and Information Technology, with immediate effect.
As leaders, we are committed to upholding the Rule of Law, ensuring that no one, regardless of
status, power, or influence, is above it. The Rule of Law must be followed without exception, as it
is the cornerstone of our nation's integrity and foundation of good governance. By adhering to
these principles, we protect the fairness, accountability, and trust that are essential for a just
society.
Disregarding the rule of law will undoubtedly have far-reaching negative impacts on a whole-of-
government scale, including undermining of our Judiciary system and the abilities of our law
enforcement agencies to fulfil their duties in maintaining law and order, and peace and harmony.
This is what we, as leaders, must work together to protect.
Determining the issue of confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership is a constitutional matter
that rests with Parliament. It is not a Political Party’s responsibility. Whatever the consequences
2/3of the divergence in parliamentarians’ views relating to their confidence in the Prime Minister and Cabinet, there are constitutional processes and procedures that should be implemented. I am ready
to do that in Parliament.
It is very critical when there is political discontent that the agencies of Government hold fast to
their mandates and conduct their work professionally.
May God continue to bless Samoa, SOIFUA
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