Over the last 4 years, the Human Rights Protection Party has focused the attention of the nation on the polices and governance of our government, in keeping with our constitutional role as the loyal opposition.
We have constantly examined their approaches to national debt management, the many violations of the rule of law, the questionable financial practices and the misguided attempts to undermine the Fa’asamoa and our traditional structures.
In contrast, the Government prefers to avoid direct discussions on addressing the issues that concern the nation including the high cost of living, increasing crime rate and an out-of-control drug epidemic.
On the rare occasion that their members of Parliament or Cabinet Ministers have attempted to engage us on substantive issues, we have addressed them directly.
Time and again, their discussion disintegrate into personal attacks, rather than addressing any substance.
The dignity of the House was brought to its lowest point when a senior Government MP gave marital advice to the country’s first female Prime Minister.
This embarrassing moment was broadcasted by the media all over the world.
But the standard for such Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party behaviour started with their chairman who preferred not to deal with facts but to spread malicious rumours about HRPP members, families and supporters or anyone who questions his ethics and leadership.
Which is why he now finds himself in front of the court facing criminal charges.
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who once observed that, “great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP