Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie.
Aspiring Future Leader of Samoa
By Setope So’oa’emalelagi – Political Analyst and Language Academic for Beijing Foreign Studies University China.
While researching for an Asia – Pacific Think Tank on the ‘Belt and Road Initiative on Education in the Pacific – we were honoured to interview – up and coming HRPP political candidate in Samoa Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie from Siumu.
He is contesting a key Samoan bye-election seat for Siumu District in September, 2023, on the backdrop of Siumu’s previous elected member Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota jumping ship to the FAST Party leaving the Siumu Constituency in a vacuum and a cloud of despair and rejection once again befalls the Siumu faithful – they feel that once again they’ve been misled.
And in steps a dynamic – mesmerizing – charismatic figure in Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie – an ‘unknown’ in political parlance but an experienced – economist highly regarded in corporate leadership with a thirty-year public and private sector service record and an former CEO for the National Bank of Samoa and the Samoa Institute of Directors.
If we were to draw parallels with Tu’u’u Amaramoa Sialaoa’s political style and the West – then John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton come to mind – articulate – relates superbly to the common man – knows the camera and can debate a taxi driver until he gets a discount.
What transpired was an interview that kicked off and not all like what I had expected. Tu’u’u, as you will discern has that calm – quick witted intensity when answering questions and perhaps most impressive of all – he can code switch effortlessly. In linguistics it refers to someone’s command of language – Samoan and then breaking into English.
Interview Scenario: A Conversation with Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie
Interviewer: Welcome, esteemed viewers, to this exclusive interview with Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie, a high chief of Siumu and a dynamic candidate running for Parliament in Samoa. We have the privilege of delving into his vision, aspirations, and strategies for the Siumu district come September, 2023, By-election and beyond.
Interviewer: Tu’u’u, thank you for joining us today. It’s been a while uso since our last interview in 2019 and on the subject of the “The Lexus and the Olive Trees” a book which pretty much defines your philosophy on politics but – to start off, could you tell our audience about your platform and what drives your candidacy for the key seat of Siumu?
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Faafetai lava, thank you for having me. My platform is simple – its centred on empowering the people of Siumu – it’s all about their wishes – their hopes and me staying a true son of Siumu – respecting Samoan traditions while embracing innovation.
You’re right about me being a relative newbie to politics but I have served in Samoa’s public service for over three decades – I’ve dealt with politicians since entering Samoa’s Ministry of Finance in the 1990’s; as a former CEO of the National Bank of Samoa and Samoa Institute of Directors, leadership member of Westpac Samoa, the Ministry of Finance, and numerous consultancies.
My journey has been exhilarating – last year I survived a fatal car crash – so am thankful now I have a chance to serve my constituency of Siumu…it’s a humbling honour not only for me but for my wonderful wife Leituala and 4 beautiful children.
I have witnessed the growth of Samoa’s economy from the days when Samoa was dotted with a mere scattering of fale palagi (European styled houses) usually occupied by the village pastor or highest village chief – one car per village – one bus per district and one telephone box located at the Apia Post Office.
Look around now in 2023! Am truly grateful to have played a role as a servant of the public– overcome the challenges our ancestors faced when they set the groundworks of modern Samoa. Could we have done better, though? And to another point….
Interviewer – Sorry Tu’u’u – but I’m going to interject here, and I control the interview so that you and all the viewers understand …
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: C’mon sorry let me finish – the problem with interviewers these day’s is that they come in with an agenda – don’t listen and shape the context according to their weekly salary ….
Interviewer – well I am not one of those interviewers Tu’u’u…I am….
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa: Ok ok point taken – ‘keep your hat on uso (brother in Samoan)’ – and by the way – thanks for pronouncing my name correctly – (and he smiles) ok let me define what I exactly mean.
Interviewer – “But…I ….”
Tu’u’u Amaramoa Sialaoa: Thanks kindly take a deep breath and listen my friend, ok?
Interviewer – Yeah sure
Tu’u’u Amaramoa Sialaoa
Let me give you three core platforms of my campaign.
- Timely consultation with the chiefs and village and serving their needs with passion and integrity “good governance”. The 3 J’s’ Jobs – Jobs – Jobs! for the next generation – ensuring our youth are properly versed in education and are trained to take advantage of Samoa’s natural resources – Land, Sea and Air, add the internet! Collaborate with government to deliver vital infrastructural projects such as the Apia-Siumu road and Siumu village roads, water catchments / supplies, increase the number of seasonal workers, improve dwelling and amenities, innovate farming practices and climate change mitigation measures. Lots more to do
- Giving tacit support to our current Government (FAST) and saying OK, let’s move on, let’s give unity a chance, let’s not lose sight the ultimate goals for Samoa “to supercharge its economic growth and social welfare”. If the Government gives us the much fabled 1 million tala each year for 5 years – we’ll humbly accept it and spend it wisely – why not? Siumu Chiefs and its people value unity above everything else. The three P’s – Performance, Performance, Performance! Where is the economy at? What levels have we reached for Samoa’s social indicators, such as the suicide rate? What are doing to combat the rising cost of living and incidence of non communicable diseases? How do rate the performance of the public service including those of state owned enterprises? Where are at in terms of commitment to eradicate corruption and manage conflict of interest? And so many more challenges facing the economy, vital to its true success (or failure)..
- And third – party development. Personally, I feel the need to re-plan and restructure, involve the public and more expert advice and win back public confidence as we approach the next General Elections in 2026.
Political Beliefs
Interviewer: That’s a very compelling vision and argument– but how does it tie in with your Lexus and the Olive Trees favourite book?
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Listen my friend – Politics is about inclusion – debating of beliefs and ideas – and reading helps us with this task in the modern age – We lose so much and expend so much in time and resources if we simply don’t read or write.
Interviewer: And the Olive Tree and the Lexus?
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Ok yes sorry, now let me take you back to our interview of 2019 – “The Olive Tree and the Lexus” The lessons I picked up from this informative book by Thomas Friedman relates to one central theme that Samoans face today …. guess what it is?
Interviewer: Sure – sincerity – perseverance – ingenuity – alacrity – strength and ….
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa: Sorry but you’ve missed the mark again – nice try but it’s “CAN WE? – YES, WE CAN SIUMU” plain and simple. You see my friend – the books central theme suggests that no matter how intractable societal problems are – working together and embracing new ways of planning and execution – innovation, technology and science whilst sustaining our core culture and values – we can move ahead with confidence.
Interviewer – Yes well put – just what I was about to say, I tend to agree
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: (Chuckles) Sole have you read the book?
Climate Change is Not Fake
Interviewer: Let’s talk about challenges at the village level. How do you plan to address ‘imaginary’ problems like climate control and disaster preparedness?
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa: Do you have a hangover?My friend It’s definitely not imaginary! I’m sorry but it’s real as the image here (picking up his iPhone and turning the screen towards me) – look at this! – Maui Hawaii the awful fire – this week, over 100 fatalities – There is an undeniable link between climate patterns and natural disasters.
Which is why I’m a strong supporter of MNRE and SPREP and alternative sources of power like solar and wind. But more than this – I will sit down with the locals of Siumu and chat over a fire and a cup of Samoan Koko – I am ready to engage and communicate the complexities of such important issues with potential to affect our entire world.
The Younger Generation of Siumu
Interviewer: Now, as a high chief and a seasoned professional, how do you intend to bridge the gap between the village chiefs and the youth in Siumu?
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Building bridges across generations is critical. My adversary Tu’u’u Anisi’i and I happen to be both high chief’s and family men. I respect him as an opponent.
Where I see my opponent lacking – is in leadership – ‘it’s clear as the waters of Siumu Bay’ – he was never around for the village chiefs and youth to engage in dialogue whereas I intend to actively engage with all. I aim to harness their wisdom and experience while incorporating their aspirations into youth policies.
Siumu needs their leader to be with them and not ‘an absentee leader’ like someone – who disappeared post elections 2021, then switches allegiance from HRPP to FAST leaving Siumu Constituents baffled and abandoned.
Media Relations
Interviewer: Up to this point it really seems that you have momentum – a strong centre of support appears to be growing across social media platforms and newspapers in Samoa and rapidly – what’s your secret? – what’s driving this tide of support for you Tu’u’u Amaramo?
(Tu’u’u Amaramo takes a momentary pause – looks skyward and inhales and softly states)
“First and foremost be yourself, be honest to yourself and the people you serve”
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: You know I’ve interviewed people looking for a loan to buy a packet of cigarettes and a beer to a Hotel magnate wanting to buy another Hotel – just treat people equally and with respect.
Authenticity is key. I will engage with local media openly and transparently, presenting a true reflection of my person, character and intentions.
I am down to earth and committed to serving our people. Through consistent engagement and effective communication, I will establish a genuine connection with all (I don’t like that word “grassroots” when literally translated to Samoan).
Siumu and The Turning Point on September, 2023
Interviewer: Finally, share your thoughts – what is Siumu’s future?
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa
“We learn from good governance and corporate approach of the best performers….and the values of our beautiful culture”
By prioritizing employment, adopting technology and innovation in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, disaster preparedness, and community engagement, we will lay the foundation for a thriving and resilient district.
Siumu’s future is one of progress, and together, we will forge a path towards prosperity.
Interviewer: Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa, thank you for sharing your insights and aspirations with us today. Your vision for Siumu is undoubtedly inspiring, and we wish you the best on your journey to parliamentary representation.
Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie: Faafetai lava, thank you. I am truly honoured to have this opportunity to connect with our community and share my plans and commitment to a brighter future for Siumu and of course, Samoa.
Interviewer: And there you have it, viewers – an insightful conversation with Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa Pagamalie, a high chief, intelligent leader, and devoted family man, dedicated to driving positive change in Siumu come September 15, 2023. Stay tuned for more updates on this compelling candidate as we follow his journey toward parliamentary service.
[End of Interview]