Samoa Observer

Harmony Agreement: a conspiracy that should never have been entertained

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Harmony Agreement: a conspiracy that should never have been entertained

By The Editorial Board 19 May 2022, 6:00AM

A lot has been said and written about the 'Harmony Agreement' between the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) and the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P). 

Since it surfaced in the media as part of steps taken to resolve the 2021 Constitutional Crisis, the agreement has been subjected to much debate and opinions. It will continue to be talked about for a long time to come. 

Whoever’s interpretation you believe, we get the feeling that for Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and her administration, they probably regret ever being part of it.  And so they should. The idea should have never been entertained in the first place.

Now, don’t get us wrong, it is not that we do not want harmony between the two political parties. It’s just that in the world we live in, we cannot expect two arch rivals, let alone political enemies, to agree on anything. It’s like saying the east and the west are the same. 

Where there is harmony in political circles, it is unlikely to be an agreement but rather a conspiracy. In this case, the agreement was a conspiracy to bury the hatchets and move on pretending all the nasty stuff that happened after the 2021 General Election did not occur.

Indeed, the agreement in question basically attempted to pull the wool over the eyes of the people of Samoa, ignoring what unfolded last year. But funny how some things refuse to go away.

In a story titled “Prime Minister Fiame clears air on Harmony Agreement” we are told a parliamentary committee wanted an explanation from Fiame on the agreement.  In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Fiame later explained that the undertaking she signed was for a Court proceeding and it was done in “good faith.” 

We don’t doubt Prime Minister Fiame’s intentions at all. The problem here is that when it comes to politics, especially when things get ugly, “good faith” is quickly forgotten and easily trampled upon. 

It is precisely what is happening before our very eyes today. Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and H.R.P.P. Secretary Leala Rimoni Aiafi are currently being investigated by the Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee over allegations of misconduct. The investigation is the result of Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio’s complaint, citing statements made by the Opposition Members during the political crisis. 

Let us be reminded here today that the agreement in question has already spared Tuilaepa, Leala and lawyer, Maiava Visekota Peteru, the wrath of the Supreme Court which said that “in other circumstances” Tuilaepa’s actions “might have called for imprisonment…” 

Tuilaepa and Leala have obviously quickly forgotten because so soon after, they now want the agreement to be extended to the halls of the Maota Fono at Mulinu’u. 

“It seems like we are trying to calm things down and they are stirring up the peace,” Tuilaepa said, calling for the agreement to come into effect so that the compliant against them is declared invalid. “We are not fools that will put up with this kind of stupidity…as you can see we are laughing at this but the truth is this is plain stupidity.” 

Well that’s interesting isn’t it? We’re not sure if there is anything to laugh at in this matter. We are talking about the integrity of Parliament and the way its members conduct themselves, especially in public.

The way we see it, the only “fool” here is someone who cannot tell the difference between the Supreme Court and the Legislative Assembly of Samoa. They are different pillars of our democracy. The separation of powers between the three branches of government, the executive, legislative, and judicial, is paramount.

 But then again, what did we expect from people whose blurred vision led to the “mighty mess” we now have down at the Lands and Titles Court? 

The point here is that politicians should not entertain the idea of so-called "harmony agreements". They should stay far, far away from them. 

And when it comes to exposing wrongdoing, ensuring that justice prevails and carving a path for future generations to follow, leaders of today have got to be reminded that the decisions they make have a long lasting impact. 

The agreement, regardless of what good intentions there were at that time, was a poor decision. In fact it sets a dangerous precedent.

Maybe it was born out of desperation? Maybe there was genuine desire for peace, harmony and stability during a time of turmoil for Samoa? Who knows? 

Whatever it was, in hindsight, it only proves one thing and one thing only, politicians will always be politicians. And Tuilaepa has once again proven himself. 

What do you think? Write and share your thoughts with us.

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Politics
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By The Editorial Board 19 May 2022, 6:00AM
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