By Staff Writer
Former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has called on Government to stick to one voice only of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa to avoid public uncertainties and angry reactions.
Tuilaepa with his long leadership experience offered counsel at what appeared to be indecision at reassuring public safety worries just before the country went into a COVID 19 lockdown over a week ago.
“Speak in one voice that of PM Fiame, too many other voices upset the people by not knowing who to listen to when the PM says something different to what her Cabinet Minister said,” Tuilaepa counseled in an advisory tone on a TV1 exclusive interview.
Public criticisms raged on social media after the PM Fiame official announcement of the lockdown came after what the other Cabinet Ministers reportedly said on national media.
The timing of the lockdown created angry confusion when the official timing announced by the PM appeared to contradict what her Cabinet Ministers declared earlier.
“In a time of crisis like we have now, one voice represents a collective responsibility and when it comes from the PM, any minister who adds a second voice or does not agree should resign from Cabinet,” Tuilaepa advised.
“Indecision creates uncertainties so the PM must have one voice.”
Tuilaepa also added that as members of Cabinet they should be more tolerant of whatever criticisms the public throws at them.
He quipped against taking to heart public complaints and the risks of ending up in a mental ward. A better solution suggested is to accept the rights of free expression as a guide in the decision making.
“Keep the patience, leaders are like tall trees standing fully exposed on the top of the mountain, they are buffeted by every little puff of wind that blows by.”
The former Prime Minister appealed for unity and a personal commitment from everyone at a time when the country needed the support most.
He pointed to wearing a mask as a very simple example for anyone to do without having to wait to be told by Cabinet.
Tuilaepa is confident many are already familiar with health protective measures that were imposed since the COVID pandemic alert going to about 2 years now and should be easier to adhere to.
His thoughts are with the frontline workers who are the ones most at risk and called on the prayers of the country for their protection.
So too is the need to keep Savaii isolated as soon as the virus is in Upolu. Interisland travel passenger travel should be restricted to food and other essential supplies only to the big island.