By Staff Writer
A Radio NZ news report of a healthy opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, being considered for medivac to New Zealand, is being ridiculed as overblown exaggeration of his current state of health.
Radio NZ quoted a Ministry of Health official that “…they had already prepared the necessary paperwork for Cabinet’s review and consideration” for medical referral to New Zealand.
The former Government leader was discharged last Monday from the TTM Hospital stable and fully recovered and is at home ‘in good spirit and resting well.”
Doctors kept Tuilaepa under observation for four nights as a ‘precautionary measure considering his age and general health’ after running up a fever and in a weakened condition.
“The Minister of Health wanted to have him referred to New Zealand in a gesture of courteous respect and Tuilaepa was not aware of it,” HRPP spokesman MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi said.
The Minister reportedly made the suggestion to the HRPP spokesman while attending Parliament this week.
Tuilaepa is yet to join the current session in the House since receiving a clean bill of health this week.
“He’ll probably come in towards the end of the week but for now we’ve suggested he concentrates on his full recovery,” MP Lealailepule disclosed.
The former leader has remained fully active in reorganizing and rebuilding the HRPP party since it took up its new role as opposition to the FAST Government.
The proven success of his leadership remains a beacon of respect revered in his party and the country for his proud national achievements in the development of Samoa.
His popularity rating in and outside the country is deeply embedded in the love shown by the endearing father figure term, ‘Papa Stui ’