By Staff Writer
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi joined the debate on the boundaries of state and religion with a clear understanding of the role of the ‘faifeau’ in the villages.
He offered his views in Parliament on Friday in response to the question of political rights and individual integrity and responsibility.
“The ‘faifeau’ embodies a sacred covenant the village made with God, politics is a matter for the chiefs and orators,” Tuilaepa declared.
“The sworn duty of the ‘faifeau’ is to preach the word of God and God only, leave the politics to the leaders of the village, that is their job not the ‘faifeau’.”
The PM quickly added also that the ‘faifeau’ has political rights too but they should be kept to himself or not displayed openly.
“Faifeau’ should serve the Government in place because it was selected by God.”
Tuilaepa was dragged into stating the position of Government when key policies came up during the session, on the role of village pulenu’u and women representatives and their political affiliation and loyalties.
The Minister of Works, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, wanted to be clear on what the policies have on Government paid ‘pulenu’u or women representative’ who allow their political affiliations to affect their work.
PM Tuilaepa spoke at length on the honesty and integrity Government expects in the case of Ministries Chief Executive Officers whose primary concern is to do their jobs well.
“When a CEO does not agree with a Cabinet policy decision for any reasons to do with political affiliation and loyalties, the honest thing to do is to resign.
“Why because that CEO is going to either sit on the Cabinet directive or not do any work, and those are grounds for dismissal because it affects what needs to be done for the good of the country.
“ The same applies to the ‘pulenu’u and the ‘sui tama’ita’i’ individuals.”
The Prime Minister placed heavy stress on the individual rights to their own political beliefs and that Government respects that too.
His distress is when it corrupts the integrity of work as public servants the Government depends on to carry out their duties to serve the people and country.
Another concern is the frictions that are created inside the working environment that will do no one any good.
Tuilaepa reminded that political leaders and parties come and go but those employed in the public service remains.
His comments will be welcome relief to the uncertainties created by opposition election campaign rhetoric of sweeping changes in the public service under a new Government.
The Prime Minister favoured the current employment system practiced by Samoa in line with Commonwealth member countries in contrast to what the Americans prefer.
“Under the American system new administrations bring in their own staff workers which disrupts the stability of the public service through continuity.
“Samoa follows the Commonwealth system where the public service is based on the commitment to honest work rather than political beliefs.
“As long as the CEO or other public servants concentrate on their work there jobs are secured, it’s only when they allow their political leanings to affect their responsibilities then the axe will fall.”
Tuilaepa said the same about what is expected from the ‘pulenu’u’ and the ‘sui-tama’ita’i’ under the Government payroll.
But he felt that the decision-making chiefs and orators and women’s committees, should give serious considerations to these village appointed officials.
“Select those who are capable of doing the work and not out of respect for status as in village elders who are unable to carry out the job they are paid for.”
