By Staff Writer
Threats by the Minister of Works, Olo Fiti Vaai, to take legal action for defamatory comments over the purchase of a used vehicle, is welcomed by the former Prime Minister and opposition leader.
The reaction by Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, came during his weekly press conference with the local media.
“I’ll be happy if he does that, I’m not worried, everything is there to be seen about the car,” Tuilaepa reacted.
An earlier press statement by the opposition leader pointed out that Government policy under Good Governance Principles require the Prime Minister and all Ministers of Cabinet to have government vehicles ordered through their Ministries, and not through Corporations.
In this way, vehicles are standardized and cheaper and their proper usage will be more easily accountable, the statement clarified.
Buying second hand vehicles for use by Ministers was never a Government policy, nor was it permitted under donor project assistance it added.
The Works Minister has come under a lot of public criticism especially on social media, for the purchase of a used land cruiser pick-up truck close to $150,000 tala for his alleged personal use.
The expensive V8 engine vehicle was bought reportedly under New Zealand donor funding left over from a development project sponsored for Samoa.
Critical reactions were stirred by the vehicle carrying a private license plate when it is supposed to be a Government owned vehicle.
Tuilaepa said his comments related to standard policies practiced during his long reign as Government leader, that included the purchase of second hand vehicles.
“ It’s a major embarrassment for any donor partner to buy used equipment for their assistance to any country.
“ The same is true for any country who accepts second hand equipment like used cars from a donor partner.”
Opposition Secretary, MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, also rejected claims by the Minister that he is allowed to have two cars.
During his time as Associate Minister, Lealailepule said that the second car the Minister was referring to is the one used for office work.
He further rejected claims that the Prime Minister is allowed to have private license plates with Tuilaepa adding that the non Government plates is standard security practice for the leader of the Government.
Approval of Cabinet is also needed to do that as part of the process of protecting national assets.
“Go ahead and sue us, we’ll be ready to answer to all the legal complaints the Minister wants to make,” Lealailepule challenged.
Tuilaepa did offer a world of peace and also a way out for the Minister. “Go stick a Government license plate to the car.”