Dear Editor,

Former Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party MP, Magele Sekati Fiaui, was found guilty by the Courts of nine charges related to using Fono Faavae district development funds to bribe voters and will not be eligible to run in an election for 10 years.

His fellow FAST MP, Anapu Tei Seve Fuimaono, was also found guilty of six corrupt practices in the last general elections.

As a result, she lost her parliamentary seat and Cabinet position.

Despite these court judgments, both Magele and Anapu will chair district councils overseeing the disbursement of $20 million in rural development projects for the next five years.

The FAST government statement proudly announced that these appointments reflect its commitment to district governance. In districts where elected HRPP members are forced to co-chair development councils, the given reason is to support inclusive leadership, balanced oversight, continuity and sound financial controls. 

They use big words that ring hollow.

The co-chairmanship imposed on only a handful of Human Rights Protection Party MPs who are stripped of real authority, while the remaining District Development Committees are dominated by FAST members, many lacking both leadership credentials and relevant experience, is further compelling evidence of the FAST leadership’s determination to undermine the laws of the country.

In reality, these committees are directed by individuals who exert influence through access to public funds rather than through lawful authority or clear governance.

Restricting cheque co-signing authority for district funds to FAST members alone removes one of the most effective checks and balances against the unlawful use of public money.

In well-run democracies such as New Zealand and Australia, compulsory shared signatory arrangements are a cornerstone of financial accountability.

Where such safeguards are weakened, as has occurred in parts of Melanesia, systems are frequently abused.

While the theft of public funds can still occur when co-signatories collude, the mechanism remains vital.

Experience shows that collusion rarely lasts forever, as those involved eventually fall out, expose one another, and their wrongdoing is brought to light, as seen in the cases currently before the courts.

These appointments simply confirm how La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt handles truth and the rule of law. 

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP