P.M. declines to be asked questions by Samoa Observer, accuses Editors

24 January 2019, 12:00AM

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi yesterday declined to be asked questions by Samoa Observer Reporter, Sapeer Mayron.

During his weekly media programme in his office, he instead told Ms. Mayron to send questions to the Ministry of Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga.

Tuilaepa also accused the Editors of the Samoa Observer of changing his comments. He did not say which comments he was referring to.

“Can you please send your questions because I cannot speak to you after the programme,” he said, adding that he will read them and answer in writing.

“Also I need evidence of what I am saying because - and it's not you - your editors are changing what I say. 

“So you can send your questions to Lave and we will answer them.”

The exchange took place before his weekly programme, which is aired live on Radio 2AP. 

In the past, the Samoa Observer had been allowed to sit in on the programme before asking questions at the end of it. 

Yesterday, Ms. Mayron wanted to seek comments from the Prime Minister about the developments in Parliament this week, the bills on the agenda and how it would impact members of the public.

She also wanted the Prime Minister to elaborate on the latest developments by the national airline, Samoa Airways, and how the Government plans to fund the acquisition of a new aircraft.

As the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, the Reporter also wanted a comment about the death of Vaimoso rugby player, Faiva Tagatauli, who died from head injuries sustained during a game last weekend.

This is not the first time Prime Minister Tuilaepa has refused to be asked questions by the Samoa Observer at his weekly conferences.

Questions about the issues highlighted – among others – were emailed to Press Secretary, Laveitiga, last night. 

24 January 2019, 12:00AM

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