Opinions differ over Head of State

17 July 2017, 12:00AM

The nation is set to officially welcome the new Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, at the end of the week. Following the announcement in Parliament last week, Tuimaleali’ifano will replace the outgoing Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi who has held the post for the past 10 years. What do you think of the change? Deidre Fanene asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

 

Matalio Taaau (65) Vaiusu

Tuimalealiifano as the Head of the State is the right decision made by the Government. He is a Tama Aiga and I think it’s time for him to serve the country in this capacity. He has been in the Council of Deputies for so long and he has served the country for many years as a public servant. I wish him well.

 

Utumata Alofa Leuluaialii (43) Satuima Lufulufi/Saipipi

The appointment of Tuimalealiifano as the Head of States I truly support. As we all know Tui Atua and Tuimalealiifano they are both Tama Aiga so therefore they have the right to the Head of State position. Tui Atua had been in the position for two terms now and in my own opinion it’s time for Tuimalealiifano to serve the country. He deserves it because he has been serving the country for so long. As for the decision making I think Cabinet made the right choice to avoid all the other unnecessary hassles.

 

Sara Nisi Taliu (31)Leauvaa

Change is good. If Tuimalealiifano has been appointed by God as the Prime Minister said then who are we to judge the decision? If it’s Tuimalealiifano’s time to be the Head of State, then I support it. 

 

Moe Faaifo Fuifatu (55) Saleimoa, Manono Tai, Lepā

I agree with Tuimalealiifano being the new Head of State of Samoa. He has been on the Council of Deputies for as long as I can remember and I guess it’s time for him.  I think his father was also in the Council of Deputies so the changes are good. However, the way he was appointed I don’t agree with. The decision should have come from the people of Samoa. Our voices should’ve been heard. I think in the future the position of Head of State should be put to a public vote.

 

John Kalapu (26) Vaitele Fou

I think Tuimalealiifano is the right heir for the Head of State. No disrespect to His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi who had been serving the country well. I guess it’s time for a change and I think the appointment is just right. Tuimalealiifano has been serving the country and he had been a member of the Council of Deputies for so long. He waited patiently for his turn and he has got it. I wish him well.

 

Apisala Fatu Faatili (54) Matatufu, Lotofaga

I don’t support the idea. During Malietoa’s time as the Head of State, it wasn’t until he passed away that Tui Atua became the Head of State. That’s how it should be. Another thing is that the appointment of the Head of State should have been decided by the people instead of the government. If this is the case, then I support the call to limit the terms for the Prime Minister as well. The government is changing all the laws and the appointment of this and that but they are turning the blind eye to the fact the Prime Minister has been in power for nearly 20 years.

 


17 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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