The leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi denied claims that his party received financial donations from the Samoa Independent Seventh Day Adventist Church (SISDAC).

Speaking during his weekly press conference at Petesa, the Opposition Leader dismissed the allegations stating that they were entirely false and misleading.

“I saw the announcement made by the leader of that church where he claimed the church had given money and donations to another political party,” Tuilaepa said. 

“He shouldn’t have commented generally like that as there are only two political parties in Samoa. And I can tell you, we didn’t get any boogers from them.”

The remarks come after SISDAC donated $200,000 to the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party earlier this week. The donation was made during a formal ceremony at the newly renovated Anavamoana Hotel, a property now owned by SISDAC following a loan from the Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF).

Tuilaepa further rejected claims circulating on social media that his party had received financial contributions from the church in previous years. 

“It shows that the leader of that church had deceived people,” he said. “That’s a big lie.” He maintained that the HRPP had never sought or received financial support from SISDAC at any point.

Pastor Alaimoana Willie Papu, the Executive Director and leader of SISDAC confirmed that the donation to FAST was agreed upon by church members during a meeting in February. The contribution was reportedly delayed due to political tensions within the party.

“The church is not political, whereas it focuses truly on Jesus, who is the leader of the church and is also the leader of the FAST Party,” Pastor Papu said. “This is why we decided to donate this money to assist the FAST Party in pursuing Jesus’ love for the people of Samoa and the whole world. This donation is for the government, which is the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi, La’auli, Speaker, and all its members.”

FAST chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt expressed his gratitude for the donation assuring that it would be used to serve Samoa’s best interests.

“Thank you very much for your kind donation, and we will make sure to put it to good use as we continue to serve Samoa with love through God’s guidance,” La’auli said. “Words cannot express how thankful we are for this generous donation, and may God continue to bless the church, especially the leader and its members.”

SISDAC has faced financial scrutiny in the past. Its branch in Auckland was deregistered from the Charities Register after employees misappropriated millions of dollars in church funds and invested them in dubious ventures. Reports indicate that the church may only reapply for registration six months after the deregistration.

The church is also among several organisations that received substantial loans from the SNPF, with records showing a $13 million loan being extended to SISDAC.