While doing research for an Asia-Pacific Think Tank on the "Belt and Road Initiative on Education" in the Pacific, we were honoured to interview up-and-coming Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) candidate, Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie.  

Tu’u’u is running for the Siumu constituency in the upcoming by-election next month. His candidacy comes against the backdrop of Siumu’s previous M.P. Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota jumping ship to the ruling Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, leaving the constituency in a vacuum and a cloud of despair and rejection with the Siumu faithful feeling misled.

And in steps, a dynamic and charismatic figure in Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie, who is an unknown in political parlance but an experienced economist highly regarded for his corporate leadership, having clocked 30 years in the public and private sectors which included positions such as former CEO of the National Bank of Samoa and a member of the Samoa Institute of Directors.

If we were to draw parallels between Tu’u’u Amaramoa Sialaoa’s political style and the West then former U.S. presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton come to mind, in terms of how he can come down to the level of the common man including debates with a taxi driver until he got a discounted fare. 

What transpired was an interview that kicked off and was not all like what I had expected. Tu’u’u, as you will see,  has that calm quick-witted intensity when answering questions and perhaps most impressive of all is he can code-switch effortlessly. In linguistics, it refers to someone’s command of the language Samoan and then breaking it into English. Here's our interview. 

Interview Scenario: A conversation with Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie

Interviewer: Welcome, esteemed viewers, to this exclusive interview with Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie, a high chief of Siumu and a dynamic candidate running for Parliament in Samoa. We have the privilege of delving into his vision, aspirations, and strategies for the Siumu district in the lead-up to the September 2023 by-election and beyond.

Interviewer: Tu’u’u, thank you for joining us today. It’s been a while uso since our last interview in 2019 and on the subject of “The Lexus and the Olive Trees”, a book that pretty much defines your philosophy on politics. But to start off could you tell our audience about your platform and what drives your candidacy for the key seat of Siumu?

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Faafetai lava, thank you for having me. My platform is simple it is centred on empowering the people of Siumu – it’s all about their wishes – their hopes and me staying a true son of Siumu respecting Samoan traditions while embracing innovation.

You’re right about me being a relative newbie to politics but I have served in Samoa’s public service for over three decades. I’ve dealt with politicians since entering Samoa’s Ministry of Finance in the 1990s as a former C.E.O. of the National Bank of Samoa and Samoa Institute of Directors, leadership member of Westpac Samoa, the Ministry of Finance, and numerous consultancies.

My journey has been exhilarating. last year I survived a fatal car crash so am thankful now I have a chance to serve my constituency of Siumu. It’s a humbling honour not only for me but for my wonderful wife Leituala and four beautiful children.

I have witnessed the growth of Samoa’s economy from the days when Samoa was dotted with a mere scattering of fale palagi (European-styled houses) usually occupied by the village pastor or highest village chief – one car per village – one bus per district and one telephone box located at the Apia Post Office.

Look around now in 2023! Am truly grateful to have played a role as a servant of the public, overcoming the challenges our ancestors faced when they set the groundwork of modern Samoa. Could we have done better, though? And to another point.

Interviewer: Sorry Tu’u’u - but I’m going to interject here, and I control the interview so that you and all the viewers understand.

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: C’mon sorry let me finish. The problem with interviewers these days is that they come in with an agenda and don’t listen and shape the context according to their weekly salary. 

Interviewer: Well I am not one of those interviewers Tu’u’u…I am. 

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa: Ok ok point taken – ‘keep your hat on uso (brother in Samoan)’ – and by the way - thanks for pronouncing my name correctly – ok let me define what I exactly mean.

Interviewer: “But…I ….”

Tu’u’u Amaramoa Sialaoa: Thanks kindly take a deep breath and listen, my friend, ok?

Interviewer – Yeah sure.

Tu’u’u Amaramoa Sialaoa: Let me give you three core platforms of my campaign.

1) Timely consultation with the chiefs and village and serving their needs with passion and integrity "good governance". The 3 J’s’ Jobs – Jobs – Jobs for the next generation. Ensuring our youth are properly versed in education and are trained to take advantage of Samoa’s natural resources of Land, Sea, and Air, add the internet! Collaborate with the government to deliver vital infrastructural projects such as the Apia-Siumu road and Siumu village roads, water catchments/supplies, increase the number of seasonal workers, improve dwelling and amenities, innovate farming practices and climate change mitigation measures. Lots more to do.

2) Giving tacit support to our current Government (FAST) and saying ok, let’s move on, let’s give unity a chance, let's not lose sight of the ultimate goals for Samoa "to supercharge its economic growth and social welfare". If the Government gives us the much-fabled SAT$1 million each year for five years – we’ll humbly accept it and spend it wisely – why not? Siumu Chiefs and its people value unity above everything else. The three P's - Performance, Performance, Performance! Where is the economy at? What levels have we reached for Samoa's social indicators, such as the suicide rate? What are doing to combat the rising cost of living and incidence of non-communicable diseases? How do rate the performance of the public service including those of state-owned enterprises? Where are we at in terms of commitment to eradicating corruption and managing conflict of interest? And so many more challenges facing the economy, vital to its true success (or failure).

3) And third – party development. Personally, I feel the need to replan and restructure, involve the public and more expert advice and win back public confidence as we approach the next General Elections in 2026.

Political Beliefs

Interviewer: That's a very compelling vision and argument– but how does it tie in with your Lexus and the Olive Trees favourite book?

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Listen my friend – Politics is about inclusion – debating of beliefs and ideas – and reading helps us with this task in the modern age – We lose so much and expend so much in time and resources if we simply don’t read or write.

Interviewer: And the Olive Tree and the Lexus?

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Ok yes sorry, now let me take you back to our interview of 2019 – “The Olive Tree and the Lexus” The lessons I picked up from this informative book by Thomas Friedman relate to one central theme that Samoans face today …. guess what it is?

Interviewer: Sure – sincerity – perseverance – ingenuity – dalacrity – strength and ….

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa: Sorry but you’ve missed the mark again - nice try but it’s “Can We? – Yes, We can Siumu” plain and simple. You see my friend – the book's central theme suggests that no matter how intractable societal problems are – working together and embracing new ways of planning and executing innovation, technology and science whilst sustaining our core culture and values - we can move ahead with confidence.

Interviewer: Yes well put – just what I was about to say, I tend to agree.

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: (Chuckles) Sole have you read the book?

Climate Change is Not Fake

Interviewer: Let's talk about challenges at the village level. How do you plan to address ‘imaginary’ problems like climate control and disaster preparedness?

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa: Do you have a hangover? My friend, It’s definitely not imaginary! I’m sorry but it’s real as the image here (picking up his iPhone and turning the screen towards me) – look at this! - Maui Hawaii the awful fire - this week, over 100 fatalities – There is an undeniable link between climate patterns and natural disasters.

This is why I’m a strong supporter of MNRE and SPREP and alternative sources of power like solar and wind. But more than this – I will sit down with the locals of Siumu and chat over a fire and a cup of Samoan Koko - I am ready to engage and communicate the complexities of such important issues with the potential to affect our entire world.

The Younger Generation of Siumu

Interviewer: Now, as a high chief and a seasoned professional, how do you intend to bridge the gap between the village chiefs and the youth in Siumu?

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Building bridges across generations is critical. My adversary Tu’u’u Anisi’i and I happen to be both high chiefs and family men. I respect him as an opponent.

Where I see my opponent lacking - is in leadership – ‘it’s clear as the waters of Siumu Bay’ – he was never around for the village chiefs and youth to engage in dialogue whereas I intend to actively engage with all. I aim to harness their wisdom and experience while incorporating their aspirations into youth policies.

Siumu needs their leader to be with them and not ‘an absentee leader’ like someone – who disappeared post elections 2021, and then switches allegiance from HRPP to FAST leaving Siumu Constituents baffled and abandoned.

Media Relations

Interviewer: Up to this point it really seems that you have momentum – a strong centre of support appears to be growing across social media platforms and newspapers in Samoa and rapidly – what’s your secret? – what’s driving this tide of support for you Tu’u’u Amaramo?

(Tu’u’u Amaramo takes a momentary pause – looks skyward and inhales and softly states)

“First and foremost be yourself, be honest to yourself and the people you serve."

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: You know I’ve interviewed people looking for a loan to buy a packet of cigarettes and a beer to a Hotel magnate wanting to buy another Hotel – just treat people equally and with respect.

Authenticity is key. I will engage with local media openly and transparently, presenting a true reflection of my person, character, and intentions.

I am down to earth and committed to serving our people. Through consistent engagement and effective communication, I will establish a genuine connection with all (I don’t like the word 'grassroots' when literally translated to Samoan).

Siumu and The Turning Point in September 2023

Interviewer: Finally, share your thoughts – what is Siumu’s future?

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa: 'We learn from good governance and corporate approach of the best performers….and the values of our beautiful culture.'

By prioritizing employment, adopting technology and innovation in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, disaster preparedness, and community engagement, we will lay the foundation for a thriving and resilient district.

Siumu's future is one of progress, and together, we will forge a path towards prosperity.

Interviewer: Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa, thank you for sharing your insights and aspirations with us today. Your vision for Siumu is undoubtedly inspiring, and we wish you the best on your journey to parliamentary representation.

Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Faafetai lava, thank you. I am truly honoured to have this opportunity to connect with our community and share my plans and commitment to a brighter future for Siumu and of course, Samoa.

Interviewer: And there you have it, viewers – an insightful conversation with Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie, a high chief, intelligent leader, and devoted family man, dedicated to driving positive change in Siumu come September 15, 2023. Stay tuned for more updates on this compelling candidate as we follow his journey toward parliamentary service.

• Setope So’oa’emalelagi is a political analyst and language academic at the Beijing Foreign Studies University China in the Chinese capital Beijing.