“Leave politics to politicians” - P.M.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 19 July 2018, 12:00AM

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has cautioned the General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.), Reverend Vavatau Taufao, to leave politics to politicians.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa offered the warning during his weekly media conference yesterday, responding to a call by Rev. Vavatau on the Government to cut spending. 

The call was made on the front page of yesterday’s Samoa Observer.

“Leave politics to politicians. What? He (Rev. Vavatau) wants to be Prime Minister too?” Tuilaepa responded.

The Prime Minister said the General Secretary of the C.C.C.S. has crossed the line.

 “I advised him previously not to bother with politics, he’ll drown in it. Leave politics to us who have been anointed by God to be politicians.”

Tuilaepa cautioned Rev. Vavatau that he would drown if he tries “to cross over to our side.”

The Prime Minister added that he’s tired of commenting on the issue of the taxing of Church Ministers. 

“I am also considerate of the Elders of the Church and I have so much respect for them.” 

He said Rev. Vavatau commented as if he’s the one of the Elders. 

“Leave my job to me and when there are vital issues that have to be addressed at the Prime Minister level, I will address it coming from me." 

“It appears to me that Rev. Vavatau is speaking on behalf of the Elders, yet when it comes to issues such as these, one has to speak with caution.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa said Rev. Vavatau has broken protocols. He advised him to speak with his Member of Parliament first.

 “Because in Parliament, his representative is the one to voice Vavatau’s concerns directly to me. With his views in his capacity as a Reverend, he can voice it as a member of the C.C.C.S."

“In his attempt to try and deviate over to politics, he will get injured and that is why he needs to leave politics to politicians because his concerns are hurting the church.”

The comments from Prime Minister Tuilaepa continues the longstanding dispute between the Government and the C.C.C.S. Church over the new law taxing the Church Ministers alofa.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 19 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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