CALL TO DUTY : MPs sworn in for duties in the new Parliament
By Staff Writer
The HRPP leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has added a questioning eyebrow to many others, at the appointment of two deputy Prime Ministers for Samoa.
PM Laauli Polataivao Fosi appointed Minister of Works, Toelupe Pou Onesemo and Finance Minister ,Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o, at the recent opening of Parliament.
“Samoa is following the New Zealand lead except in our case the circumstances are different,” Tuilaepa told the local media on Thursday.
“One of the NZ deputy PMs represents the main ruling National Party while the other stands for the smaller parties that make up the coalition Government.”
Tuilaepa noted that this is not the case with the FAST Government now in place.
“FAST is not in coalition with any other political party though so that is not a factor, the PM’s decision is basically to appease members.”
PM Laauli has defended the appointments as necessary to help with the workload.
The DPMs will take separate turns in office for the duration of Government.