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Comments are “stupid” and “childish” says Samoa's PM about comments on selection of Head of State

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. [SN file photo]

Sacredness is about doing what’s right and following the law.

That’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s response to claims that Samoa has lost the sacredness over the selection of the country’s Head of State. 

 “The most sacred thing to do is to follow the law.... our laws,” Tuilaepa said.

He was responding to comments from Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Va’ai, who said the election of the Head of State, should be put to a public vote.

Last week, Olo told the Samoa Observer the matter should not be the jurisdiction of the Human Rights Protection Party alone.

He believes the matter should be decided by Parliament, not an individual party. 

But Tuilaepa said the comments reflect “how stupid he is.”

“The decision on the Head of State’s position is the decision by Parliament,” Tuilaepa fired back.

“This goes to show that he does not read the law nor understand the application of the law.”

Members of Parliament are respective representatives of the constituencies, he pointed out. 

According to Tuilaepa, Olo’s lack of understanding reflects poorly on his judgment. He pointed out that H.R.P.P. are Members of Parliament, so therefore the decision was a Parliamentary decision. 

“Why did they run for office, when they are unable to make hard decisions? Because his comments clearly indicate that he is unable to make a decision.

“Another important aspect is that the decision is in accordance with the Constitution. What other sacredness is talking about. The most sacred thing is to do is to follow the law, our laws.”

According to Olo, the nation should be allowed to vote for their Head of State.

Read more at Samoa Observer