Dear Editor, 

In our beloved Samoa, leadership has always been sacred. Whether in the village, the church, or Parliament, we expect those in authority to serve with honour, humility, and respect. That is the Samoan way; the fa’aSamoa, grounded in tautua, fa’aaloalo, and above all, in faith.

Today, as the country observes the ongoing criminal trial of La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, a high-ranking member of parliament and leader of the FAST Party, many of us are reflecting not just on the legal process but on the kind of leadership we accept, tolerate, or blindly follow. 

La’auli is facing 16 criminal charges, including conspiracy to defeat the course of justice, fabrication of evidence, harassment, and spreading false statements. The case is significant; 76 witnesses are expected to testify over five weeks. While it is important to respect the presumption of innocence and allow the courts to do their job, the wider public conversation must go beyond legal guilt or innocence. It must ask: what kind of leadership do we want for Samoa?

It is deeply concerning that even while facing these serious charges, La’auli continues to lead a political party and actively engage with the public, particularly through social media. There has been no sign of humility, no public reflection, and no stepping back to allow the justice system to operate without political interference. Instead, we see carefully crafted posts, often using scripture and religious language, to justify actions or gain sympathy.

This, too, must be addressed. We are a Christian nation, and we must never take lightly the use of God’s name. Quoting the Bible to defend political positions, to silence critics, or to justify wrongdoing is not leadership; it is manipulation. It is using God’s name in vain, and that is spiritually dangerous.

Equally dangerous is the growing divide between Samoans living overseas and those living in Samoa. Many of our brothers and sisters abroad mean well; they love Samoa and want to contribute. But living overseas is not the same as living here. Watching livestreams and reading headlines does not give the full picture of daily life in our hospitals, our schools, our villages, and our courts.

Those who live here know what it’s like to be directly affected by decisions made in Parliament. We feel the weight of policies, the cost of leadership failure, and the damage of political games. Flying in for short visits or living part-time in Samoa does not provide full insight into the daily realities faced by the people. Yet some of the loudest voices online, calling for unwavering support for certain politicians, come from people who are not here to experience the consequences.

We must also reflect on the role of social media. It has become a powerful tool for public discourse, but also a dangerous weapon when used to mislead, intimidate, or emotionally manipulate. Emotional language, carefully worded videos, and spiritual slogans can easily win over the hearts of vulnerable people. But popularity is not the same as truth, and charisma is not the same as character.

A Moment for National Reflection

This is a time for all Samoans, at home and abroad, to look inward. We must examine the kind of values we elevate in our society. We must ask ourselves: Are we being wise in whom we follow? Are we protecting the dignity of our faith, or allowing it to be politicised? Are we seeking truth, or just choosing sides?

Let us remember that our culture teaches tautua before mamalu; service before honour. Our Christian heritage teaches repentance, not resistance; humility, not defiance. And our future depends on our ability to distinguish between leaders who serve the people and those who serve themselves.

May this not be a moment defined by division, but by discernment. May it stir a national awakening, not only in our systems of power but also in our hearts and spirits.

Let justice take its course. And let us, the people of Samoa, recommit to the sacred values that make our nation strong: truth, respect, humility, and faith in God; not just in words, but in action.

A concerned citizen

"Le Masina Fasia"