Head of Security talks about attack

20 November 2018, 12:00AM

The man who owns the security firm on duty at the launch of Samoa Airways flights in Brisbane last week, when two men attempted to attack Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has spoken out about the ordeal.

Galumalemana Aurthur Nanai said he chased the men after they stormed the building and threw a pig’s head at the Prime Minister.

 “There were three cars waiting in the parking lot for them and they took off as soon as they saw me in pursuit,” he said in an interview released by the Government Press Secretariat.

“I know the unmasked kid.  He’s from here.”

The attack is being investigated by the Queensland Police.

But Galumalemana, who hails from Matautu Falelatai, said the men threw eggs, fruits and papers. 

“They came from behind the hall and took everyone by surprise,” he said.

 “It is a total embarrassment.”

Galumalemana also apologised to the Prime Minister.

“As a leader he deserves our highest of respects and what these two boys did is totally against our culture and values especially when it’s our Prime Minister,” he said.

“My sincere apologies to Prime Minister Tuilaepa.  He does not deserve this because he has done great things for Samoa and our families back home.”

Galumalemana added that Samoa owes Tuilaepa.

“My family now has transport because of Tuilaepa’s road switch. Hundreds of Samoans are working in Australia as seasonal workers because of Tuilaepa,” he said.

“He continues to fight for Samoa on the world stage so that our home is protected from climate change. The list goes on and on. Tuilaepa is a man of his word.”

As for the two suspects, Galuemalemana vows that he will assist authorities. 

“I can promise you that they can run but cannot hide.

“Our Samoan Brisbane community is together on this and we will do everything for the two to answer to their mischief.  And I am certainly going to assist police with their investigation. Whatever they want I am at their disposal.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa has described his attackers as “rascals” and “pipsqueaks.”

 “If the two rascals think that they have accomplished their mission, than I am sorry to say that is far from the truth,” Tuilaepa said.

“I pity the two pipsqueaks because the truth of the matter is, they are now on the wanted list of every patriotic Samoa—not just because of their insults towards me as a Samoan, but also they committed the cardinal sin in the eyes of Samoa, by disrespecting the Prime Minister and leader of the Government and people publicly.”

20 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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