The former Associate Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa, is a wanted man. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has been searching for him.

Speaking to the media, Tuilaepa said he has been trying to find his Associate Minister in relation to a petition he filed against another Member of Parliament of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P). 

Lafaitele is taking newly elected woman M.P for Alataua West, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuu’au to Court over allegations of bribery and treating. 

It is one of six petitions filed with the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration. 

But the leader of the H.R.P.P. is not happy with this. 

“It’s not a problem if its (petition) from another party,” said Tuilaepa. 

“I have been looking for my Associate Minister who filed a petition and (I was told) he’s in America but I searched the internet and I found that he is still in Siusega.”

Lafaitele was one of two Associate Ministers for the Prime Minister during the last Parliamentary term. The other one was Peseta Vaifou Tevaga.   

Tuilaepa added that it’s shocking that some of those that have filed petitions hold positions in church. He did not say which church and who it was.  However, the Prime Minister stressed that in such circumstances he does not need to instruct others. 

“It’s an internal matter,” he explained. “I believe that time will pass and the candidates will be reminded that it is between them and a brother and might reconsider to put it aside…especially being from the same party and not between us and the Opposition party that used to be.” 

He reminded that there is still time and believes that God is speaking to some of the petitioners – including his former colleague Lafaitele.

It was not possible to get a comment from Lafaitele at press time.