By Mataeliga Pio Sioa
Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has slammed as bad governance any vehicle bought through Government funding and registered under the name of any Minister of Cabinet.
His critical reaction was in response to widely circulated media reports that the Minister of Works, Olo Vaai, allegedly registered a $150,000 car under his named.
“Much has been said about the expensive 8-cylinder car the Minister bought from Australia second hand and personally registered under his name,” Tuilaepa evaluated.
In his many years as Prime Minister, Tuilaepa knows that the Ministry of Finance has strict guideline instructions to prevent against allowing this kind of practice.
“The instructions were made during our time and are there to stop Cabinet Ministers from corruption because it is theft.
“ The Ministry CEO would know about it too but will not risk talking, fearful of job consequences as the other CEOs have found out since this Government came in,” he added.
The Works Minister has denied the allegations in local media reports arguing that the vehicle was bought under a Government development project.
Tuilaepa rejected the claims by questioning why the Minister would want a second car when he has one already assigned to him.
He understands also there was another vehicle with a lower pricing of $120,000 sold brand new that was available locally at the time.
“The policy is all Government vehicles are registered under Government and that includes donor funded cars.
“There’s nothing wrong with the Minister buying and owning his own car but not Government vehicles.”
The opposition leader also pointed a reminding finger at the policy during his tenure in office that only the Prime Minister is allowed two to three cars because of the busy schedule of activities to attend.
Tuilaepa accepts the assertion by PM Fiame that they have their own Government policies to follow but his concerns are they overlook good governance principles of accountability and transparency.
The controversy over the Minister’s alleged vehicle registration under his own name is a case in point against the FAST Government.
“The purchase of vehicles is through one way only and that is when ordered by Government and even if it’s for a development project it does not provide for a free car for the Minister.”
Tuilaepa is particularly worried that the donor partners are keeping watch on how their assistance is being used.
Anytime they see or detect any Government abuse and they will pull their assistance.
“When the PM says they have their own policies does that include going against the principles of good governance?
“Donors are happy and willing to help when the principals of good governance are practiced.”
Tuilaepa, however, has no plans to officially voice opposition concerns directly to PM Fiame about her Cabinet Minister’s alleged act of bad governance and the potential for damage to donor assistance.
His many letters of advice as opposition leader to the PM have been ignored without response despite the good intentions.
“Government does not know everything that is going on all the time and this is where we come in with our watchdog role as opposition members.
“Unfortunately, Fiame has not responded to any of my letters but thankfully we have the media to not only inform the Government but the country at the same time.
“As opposition this is our contribution to a better Samoa, which is also what good Christians do.”
Tuilaepa praised the role of the media moreso because Government responds to public coverage of national issues including those raised by the opposition party.