A great Chinese Philosopher by the name of Confucius would be utterly confused in understanding Samoan politics of today.
This week, it took two successive votes of no confidence to sort out the real status of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party and unity between its two Leaders.
Rebel leader Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, who called himself ‘Laauliolemalietoa’, says he has the support of 20 MPs, including the Speaker, in the Party and leader and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and her Cabinet Ministers have been booted out of the Party because they do not attend Party meetings.
The real reason is, the PM should have stopped the Police charges against Laauli.
Fiame and Cabinet maintained they are still FAST Party Members.
Laauli wants Fiame and company out and he and his gang of comedians take over.
For that to happen, their member of parliament EFKS deacon conducts daily evening prayers for a miracle to happen and their services are relayed on facebook to entice overseas followers to send in more cash donations.
The Human Rights Protection Party’s small contribution was to provide a test whether the split within the FAST party was endemic or pandemic.
The first HRPP vote of no confidence from our mini HRPP opposition was outrageously conclusive on the surface, to the simple minded.
The second vote of no confidence, only a few hours apart, provides not only the final test of the identity of the hardcore rebels, but also revealed the real support of the suspended La’auli supporters in cabinet.
The future of the minority government has become even more uncertain.
And Samoa continues to remain in suspense of what the next show shall be!
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP