The Associate Minister for Finance and member of parliament for Fa'asaleleaga No.2, Magele Sekati Fiaui has done nothing publicly to say that the $150,000 missing from the constituency has been used in the right place. This is very unbecoming of a man chosen to represent his people in parliament.

The lack of accountability shown by the MP is a disrespect to his constituency, the government, and the people of Samoa. Being in parliament is not a priviledge but an honour bestowed by the people who voted him in. He should return that by being accountable, explaining himself and doing the right thing.

The fact remains that the initial money from the district development grant was given to him. The purpose of that money was to be used for the remuneration of the people employed at the district office. It can be agreed that these people have not been paid.

The last associate minister who crossed a line was terminated from his post. Maybe that action was taken because he had made a mockery of Samoa outside of Samoa. Will there be no such steps taken in this case because it happened within our boundaries?

There was a meeting called on Tuesday. The district council from Savaii, the Minister for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, the MP and the District Development Project Manager were part of that meeting.

Minister Mulipola acknowledged the concerns raised by the district council and pledged to take decisive action. She assured committee members that a comprehensive report detailing the situation would be compiled for review by the Steering Committee and the Ministry of Finance. Has the minister implied that this will take time? Where is the urgency?

Words can be uttered but what will count is the action. This issue deals with public funds, money that belongs to the people of this country therefore all that happens in the review and investigation should be done in a manner that the public is constantly updated, in a truly transparent manner and with urgency.

This is not a private company, this is the Government of Samoa. $150,000 of public funds has gone missing and there seems to be no urgency from the people leading the government. As stated before, it is time to get the police involved. The Crimes Act Section 47 is very clear on this if this is the case.

What the people of Fa'asaleleaga No.2 want to know is what will it take for the MWCSD to release their grant of $425,0000 which the constituency should have received in November last year. They are willing to have their MP step down just so their people can be helped.

The Deputy Chair of the Fa'asaleleaga No.2., Suafo'a Sasani said the situation has led to a standstill in community projects but also caused frustration among constituents, who are now questioning the committee members and the district office over accountability and transparency.

Suafo'a said some students made requests to the district council wanting financial support for their school fees as well as salaries and allowances for the Committee members and people employed by the district office.

"There were students who could not get their results from the national examinations last year as they were waiting for this money to pay their school fees,” he said.

"We also received requests from parents of students needing financial assistance with school fees already. That is very crucial because we know some parents are discouraged from sending their children to school, especially after college. After all, they cannot afford school fees.

"However, with this project, we can now assist our students and also lift that burden off their parents' plate. It's like an investment as these children will return and serve our communities in the future and help improve the lives of their families."

There were plans to use the money in the right way but because $150,000 has vanished into thin air, everyone else has to suffer. Children are being deprived of education. This newspaper will continue to highlight this until firm action is taken.

When a public servant is being investigated, he or she is suspended with either full-pay or half-pay. The same rule should apply to the MP. The Prime Minister should suspend the MP, and order an investigation by the police or forensic audit specialists to see where the money went.

If the findings warrant charges, then they must be done immediately. The failure of the leaders to follow this path indicates the lack of accountability present in the system. Is this going to be the legacy of this government? A legacy of lack of accountability and transparency.

This is the time when the leaders of this nation need to step up and do the right thing.