The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) secretary has accepted a challenge from the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Chairman, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt. 

The Gagaifomauga No. 3 M.P. and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has challenged people who have publicly accused him of paying off a SAT$10 million bank loan using Government funding.

He made the comments during an interview on the Soalepule program aired on EFKS TV on Wednesday night when he described the allegations as "unfounded". 

According to La'auli, there has been a lot of speculation and allegations made on various social media platforms that accused him of paying his debts using taxpayer money. Therefore, he wanted to publicly respond to the claims to "clear his name".

"Where would I get $10 million?" said the Cabinet Minister. "Are they insinuating that the Ministry of Finance is not doing their job?"

La'auli declared that he would get to the bottom of the allegation and seek justice to clear his name and his reputation, which he claimed had been tarnished. 

He then challenged those who have publicly made the allegations against him to prepare as he will take the matter to court. 

"They should prepare and get some thick towels to wipe your noses because we will battle it out in court. I've been very patient and have been saying to be cautious of what you say on social media but the defamation just keeps coming."

According to the Cabinet Minister, the defamatory remarks targeting him nowadays have gotten worse and are aired "unfiltered".

"These are accusations made by no brainers and they know no boundaries anymore. It's like they don't ever think of the things they say just to destroy me and my reputation. Please, that did not happen. But if you have the nerve to say that on social media publicly, then bring your evidence."

La'auli then listed a few names whom he claimed have made the allegations including his political rival Lealailepule and the Samoa Observer daily newspaper. 

He said that it was the Samoa Observer newspaper that started the rumour by publishing a BTL (between the lines) about a certain M.P. who had paid off his SAT$10 million loan at a local bank. He also claimed that the media has fabricated reports to defame him and to stir the peace. 

"But better be prepared because we will be looking at taking the matter to court."

On the other hand, Lealailepule told this newspaper that he never mentioned La'auli's name during an interview he had with one of the media outlets.

"I did not mention his name but if he is saying he wants to take us to court, then that's his right," Lealailepule said. "We will have the evidence ready for him. It's the talk of the town right now and something needs to be done. Maybe a proper investigation."

Lealailepule then urged La'auli to go ahead and take the matter to court. 

"He should go ahead and do it. I'm used to his threats and going to court is not a bad thing. That's where we seek justice. Court is like my second home now so go ahead and do it. Don't just talk about it; be about it. Make it happen."