Dear Editor,

Justice Harrison's decision that the Attorney General cannot act as counsel in the case brought by Toelupe against the Court, due to a clear conflict of interest, is welcome and brings great reassurance to the public.

Notably, similar concerns had already been raised by the Chief Justice just days before.

However, what is most concerning is the apparent lack of awareness by the current Attorney General of this conflict in the first place.

This raises questions about the quality of legal advice being provided to the Government and particularly to the Head of State.

Such situations arise when appointments to important public offices are influenced by personal connections, which runs the risk of advice being shaped by what their leaders wish to hear rather than what they need to know.

Unfortunately, as history has shown us, it is the public who shall endure the consequences.

And yet again, Samoans are called to accept these challenges with patience, tears, and with daily prayers for forgiveness for the endless cycle of wrong choices that have brought us here.

The people expect more from public officials of a nation that will soon celebrate its 64th birthday.

We can do better.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP