The Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party has called for greater accountability within Samoa's public service, suggesting the introduction of a new policy that would mandate the referral of all public servants found guilty of misconduct or contract breaches to the police. 

The party believes such a policy would reinforce transparency and ensure that those employed by the government are held responsible for their actions.

Speaking at a recent press conference, FAST Chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt and Deputy Chairman Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo—both former Cabinet Ministers—voiced concern over what they described as a growing problem of dishonesty among public servants. 

The party leaders asserted that political affiliations are influencing the performance and integrity of government employees.

“There are individuals within the public service who are politically affiliated with a particular party,” said La’auli. “As a result, when another party comes into power, they don't carry out their duties effectively. But that should never be the case. We need honest, independent professionals who serve the country regardless of which government is in power.”

La’auli further criticised the lack of strategic follow-up and maintenance plans for government projects, blaming past administrations for failing to establish sustainable systems. He argued that the absence of long-term planning has led to unnecessary expenses for the government, including repeated investments in equipment and new projects.

“The policies under the previous government lacked any emphasis on maintenance, and that failure is visible now,” he said. 

“This new government has only been in office for four years. The problems we’re facing now should have been anticipated and planned for during the previous administration. Were there any funds set aside for unforeseen circumstances? Were there plans in place to safeguard critical infrastructure? The answer is no.”

La’auli also sought to distance the FAST party from the current state of emergency declared in Samoa in response to ongoing power outages.

“We have nothing to do with that,” he said. “We are no longer in government, so we do not have anything to do with what is currently happening.”

Deputy Chair Toelupe Onesemo echoed La’auli’s sentiments and placed further scrutiny on the motivations of public servants. He alleged that many government employees are more concerned with financial gain than genuine service to the nation.

“We’ve seen over the last 30 years how the salary bands for public servants have increased,” Toelupe stated. “Yet, the value of service has diminished. They don’t appreciate the responsibility of the roles they occupy. They're just there for the money.”

He went on to emphasise the need for stronger policies from the Public Service Commission to guide public servants and restore integrity to the system.

“There’s a lot of dishonesty within the government. Employees are driven by financial incentives rather than a commitment to serve,” Toelupe said. “Yet every Sunday, we pray for them. Isn’t that enough?”

Looking ahead, La’auli underscored the need for a comprehensive review of government strategies and structures to prevent similar crises from reoccurring.

“We need new ideas, strategic planning, and long-term solutions,” he concluded. “It’s time to think ahead and implement policies that protect the future of our country.”