The caretaker Minister of Finance, who was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in the 2016 General Elections, is placing his trust in God for a return to public office following the 9 April General Election.

Sili Epa Tuioti, who represented the electoral constituency of Fa'asaleleaga No.1. in the XVI Parliament will face Matamua Vasati Pulufana, who is flying the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi [F.A.S.T.] party banner and is the wife of former M.P. for Fa'asaleleaga No.1., the late Tiatia Sili Pulufana. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Sili spoke fondly of his journey, not only as a first-term M.P. but also as a Minister for the past five years. 

Taking a trip down memory lane, he said it was a good learning experience for him and despite the challenges and stress he had to deal with, he said it was good to put his knowledge and experience into good use to serve Samoa. 

"I think overall, it was a good learning experience for me," Sili said. 

"Previously before entering politics, I have worked in all different areas, not only with the government but also in the private sector so it was a great learning experience for me to apply the knowledge and use the experience I gained in the previous years for good use. 

"I was also the C.E.O. (Chief executive officer) for the Ministry of Finance for a couple of years, and also spent two years at the Rhema Bible Training school which was a great achievement in my opinion because we need that balance in our lives.

"I have enjoyed my time in the last parliamentary term, I mean obviously, it's a stressful job but it's something you cope with, it's all part of the job and responsibility being placed on you."

Sili then outlined some of the achievements that the Ministry has accomplished under his leadership in the last five years. 

"During my time, I focused on looking at ways to move the country not just a few businesses but for the country as a whole. We had to create an enabling environment for our businesses to thrive. 

"One of the things that we really focused on and invested in is our infrastructure. our roads, water supply, electricity, airports, ports. 

"I think in terms of going forward, we will be looking at reforming some of the policies we have had before just to make sure that we can continue moving forward. 

"We are also looking at the economy to make sure that we keep a close eye on our economy especially now with the coronavirus and also when we have natural disasters. 

"But I think we are in a position now where we know exactly how we can deal with that. But also in terms of allocations of resources, we need to make sure that there is a buffer in the event that we need to respond to an emergency. 

"I think we have done that pretty well and we have worked with our development partners and we have an excellent relationship. That is something that we spent a lot of time, sort of trying to invest to make sure that they understand our policies and why we're doing things. 

"And for them to be comfortable that we will put that money into the project we've agreed to. 

"So I think that's something that has helped us a lot, and I am always the person that has been working with them to make sure that they understand our policies and also for us to understand their expectations. And we also want to make sure that we do provide reports for them.

"In terms of where we are right now in terms of our economy, I think we have made such really good progress in the past couple of years, and we will not stop. 

"We are excited about the future and we are working on that 2040 plan. It's always good to have a long-term perspective and plan, instead of focusing on yesterday and today. 

"I personally believe that it is better to have a long-term plan. I mean we can always adjust if things don't work too well, but at least there is a plan that will guide us. 

"And obviously, that plan is flexible depending on the different seasons and events that could happen in the coming years, but I think it's the right thing to do."

Overall, it was a good journey for Sili, and he commended his support group who have been on his side since he was elected in 2016. 

"It has been a good journey for me personally. I have been overwhelmed by the support I got throughout my first parliamentary term. I had a great journey and experience because of the support of so many people. 

"Starting from my colleagues in parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the support from the Ministry of Finance, and the other government ministries. 

"I am grateful for the lessons learned during my first parliamentary term, but that's gone now. With elections happening soon, we don't know what's going to happen but I look forward to seeing what will happen next."

Lastly, Sili said he is neither bothered nor nervous with the election just around the corner. 

"I am never nervous," he said. 

"To me, I am not bothered because I place my trust in the hands of the Lord. He will decide my fate and the next path for me. He already knows everything so I am trusting me and I am not bothered by anything or anyone. 

"So whatever God wants me to do, that's what I will do. 

"I am thankful that I was given five years to serve Samoa and our people and to set a good future for them. I think we had a great term, especially for me, but I am now excited to be in the next one. 

"As we go forward, we will continue what we have done by delivering our best to serve our people and I think things will be better."