Just when we thought that Samoa’s international reputation couldn’t get any worse, the FAST government found yet another way to embarrass the nation.
The reported assault of media personnel who were requesting to interview the Prime Minister Laauli at his residence continues to reveal the true character of the FAST government.
More troubling was the subsequent justification of these actions by Laauli and his supporters, as well as the banning of a major media outlet from all government press events, which has triggered alarm amongst international media and our donors.
Laauli’s complete disdain of any negative media coverage or intrusion on his privacy is the sign of insecure leadership and someone who takes himself way too seriously.
What will happen when the really tough questions on government corruption, incompetence, and abuse of office are asked?
As Prime Minister, I gave as good as I got in my sparring matches with journalists. I was ambushed at every corner and event.
The media would show up at my doorstep unannounced and they loved to publish the most unflattering photos of me, especially when I was “deep in thought.”
It was part of the job. As Prime Minister you are answerable to the country 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It was this access to leadership that helped Samoa being ranked 20th in Freedom of the Press ratings, well ahead of the United States of America at 45.
Other Pacific Island nations were ranked much lower. Not that any of these aspects of transparency and accountability matter to Laauli and his supporters.
Should the attacked reporter decide to take this matter to court, this will add to the growing list of cases already before the judiciary.
This incident comes at the same time that Cabinet has finally approved full payment of the Prime Minister’s hospital costs as a matter of government policy, correcting the misinformation issued earlier on who would bear the expenses.
The FAST Party has been given a chance to redo its apprenticeship in government leadership. However, it continues to fail at the expense of the nation.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of the HRPP