Is the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Laauli Leuatea Schmidt's decision not to step down right? There will always be three points to this argument.

There will be one from his supporters who feel he has always done the right thing, and then there will be a point of view from the opposition camp who will always say no and then there is the right thing to do.

Laauli was charged with fabricating evidence, conspiracy to commit an offence, defamation, harassment using electronic means, and insulting words.

Laauli has said he resigned the last time because there were over 300 charges, and he had to protect the integrity of the cabinet and the Parliament of Samoa. He further said he didn’t have any other choice.

This time, La’auli expressed confidence in his legal team, noting that they are currently reviewing the charges to assess their severity.

It is irrespective of the number of charges. The fact is that Laauli was charged and all counts are serious if you are an officeholder in the government. He is the chairman of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party and is considered a top political figure in the country.

The precedent has been the world over by governments who believe in good governance. In some cases, even an accusation was enough for a public figure to step down until his or her name was cleared.

In November 2024, Canada's Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault stepped down amid allegations he had misrepresented his background. The statement from the Canadian government was that Boissonnault would step away from Cabinet effective immediately ... (and) focus on clearing the allegations against him.

In July 2023, New Zealand Justice Minister Kiri Allan was charged with careless use of a motor vehicle and refusing to accompany a police officer following a car crash. In a statement soon after the incident, Allan said she would resign from all her portfolios immediately.

In January 2024, Singapore Transport Minister S. Iswaran, who was facing corruption charges, resigned from the ruling People’s Action Party.

In 2016, Iceland's prime minister stepped down as the first major casualty of the leaked Panama Papers that have shone a spotlight on offshore finance. The leaks, from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, showed Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson owned an offshore company with his wife but had not declared it when he entered parliament.

Laauli's stepping down would only be temporary. The case can be fast-tracked, an early trial called, and if the minister is innocent, as he has claimed, then he would be back in power.

Another thing of concern is his call for FAST party to raise funds for his legal fees. The minister is more than capable of hiring a lawyer. His business enterprises are well known. It does not seem right that he calls on the general public to foot his bill.

He spent thousands of tala travelling to the United States, Australia and New Zealand, surely he can pay his lawyers.

On Friday, La'auli hinted at the financial burden of securing legal representation, suggesting that he might seek international legal counsel. He urged party supporters to participate in fundraising activities, including a raffle. He also mentioned potential travel next month to raise additional funds for his legal expenses.

The question now is whether his bail conditions will allow him to travel abroad.

Should Laauli step down? What do you think?

Have a thoughtful weekend Samoa.