On Thursday evening this week, the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party used its parliamentary majority to pass a law that we consider discriminatory, ensuring that control over the distribution of district development funds remains effectively in the hands of FAST supporters.
The bill should have been referred to the Bills Committee after its second reading to allow for proper public consultation.
Instead, it was treated as urgent, even though the Act will only come into force in July 2026.
It was clear to us that the law was rushed through Parliament to pre-empt a court decision sought by the Human Rights Protection Party regarding the eligibility of removing HRPP Members of Parliament from the chairmanship of District Committees.
Several HRPP MPs, whom Cabinet had reluctantly agreed to appoint, were designated merely as Co-Chairpersons. However, only the FAST Chairperson holds the mandatory signing authority required to approve the release of cheques.
This condition ensures that FAST effectively controls the release of funds, raising serious concerns that the mechanism will be used to bribe voters.
The law has also been drafted in such a way that the final decision ultimately rests with the Cabinet, where the Prime Minister holds the ultimate authority.
Publicly, the Prime Minister emphasizes the need for proper care and management of public funds.
Yet, given Laauli’s history of attempting to interfere with the course of justice, such assurances are difficult to take seriously.
The parliamentary sitting concluded with the FAST Party leadership moving a motion for the Speaker to charge the Leader, Deputy Leader, and Secretary of the HRPP for being disrespectful under the Standing Orders of the House.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP