The life of service of a veteran politician and devoted member of the Church of Nazarene was remembered before he was laid to rest on Monday. 

Former minister and member of parliament for Palauli ile Falefa, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga died last week at the age of 79. He also holds the title Faaolatane from the village of Sili Savaii. 

For 20 years Faumuia has consecutively held the seat for Palauli district from 2001 to 2021 and has been a dedicated and active member of the Church of Nazarene in Ululoloa. 

His state funeral was held at the Ululoloa church and attended by the Head of State Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, government officials, his district, families and friends. 

Acting Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio gave an eulogy acknowledging the many ministerial roles and contributions from Faumuina during his public life. 

Remembering the former MP’s maiden speech in parliament, Tuala noted Faumuina raised the critical issue of the need to translate the Samoan Constitution into Samoan stressing that after 39 years there were still contradictions in the translation of the Supreme Law. 

Tuala said Faumuina was knowledgeable and played an active role in upgrading the Faleolo International Airport, the Matautu Wharf, public road infrastructure and providing clean water supplies to families in need as the former Minister for Works. 

In 2006 while he was the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, the veteran MP was instrumental in Samoa’s role in hosting the 2007 Pacific Games and implemented national projects to combat climate change and seeking financial assistance on the environment. 

The Acting PM described Faumuina as someone who was not afraid to speak up and was known as a cheerful person who assisted people from all walks of life who needed help. 

Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi also paid tribute to the politician he had entrusted to take on major portfolios during his administration and under his leadership.  

Tuilaepa said Faumuina was unlike other parliamentarians who were afraid to do work in countries where there was a lot of conflict and civil war and this was a testament to his courage and bravery. 

Faumuina started his career in the Samoa United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office from 1967 to 1975 which was the beginning of his long service in the UN. 

He was posted in the UNDP office in Fiji from 1976 to 1979, followed by Sudan UNDP from 1986, Bangladesh UNDP from 1989 to 1991, Vietnam UNDP from 1992 to 1994, Pakistan UNDP from 1995 to 1997, Iraq UN office from 1997 to 1989, East Timor UN office 1998 and in 2000 rounded up his service at Georgia (Russia) UN office. 

According to Tuilaepa, it was Faumuina’s time that enforced major policy change in government where road construction works were privatised and hundreds of public servants were made redundant. 

He said there were a lot of corrupt practices from public servants who stole government assets at the time and Faumuina had a big heart to take on the challenge to implement the change. 

He added some 300 workers agreed to be redundant and 400 others objected to it but over time Faumuina managed to convince them to change their minds and they took big redundancy packages that went to good use for others who set up their own businesses. 

Tuilaepa also pointed out that Faumuina established markets in Fugalei and Savaii and was someone who planned big and had to be reminded that he was working for Samoa and not UNDP. 

He added that Faumuina was someone who was not liked by many and to him this was a trait of someone committed and worked hard to drive developments. 

 Faumuina’s daughter, Mata’afa Asenati also paid tribute to her father saying they were privileged because of him and his hard work. 

Mata’afa said they were blessed because of the Lord’s blessings upon his father adding they were exposed to the world stage at a young age because of her father’s work and legacy. 

She recalled her father told their family he wanted to retire in Samoa and build his home without knowing that his retirement plan involved running for office. 

She added her father had so much soul for God and used every opportunity and platform he was placed on to spread the word of God. 

Mata’afa said her father showed signs that he was ready to leave this life when her mother died. She noted his physical health began to change. 

Faumuina is survived by four children, more than 20 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.