Dear Editor,

As we approach our General Elections on 29 August 2025, we have been informed of the formation of several new small parties by former FAST members and ex-HRPP candidates who lost their seats in the last General Elections in 2021.

These former unsuccessful politicians have been replaced by their constituencies with new matai candidates, whom voters consider more capable.

Among the registered political parties, only the HRPP, with 46 years of historical and practical experience, is well organised.

It has its own offices with employees, and established processes for electing leaders and officeholders.

The party holds annual meetings and compiles annual financial reports of its activities and accounts, which are audited by qualified professionals.

In contrast, some of the political parties appeared to be centred around the personal interests of their leader.

And when they fail to secure their seats, their parties often wind up shortly after.

To boost support for the FAST Party, La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt recruited Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, an independent MP, to lead the Party, along with Tuala Ponifasio, another PM hopeful.

Eventually, Laauli sought to become PM himself and so sacked Fiame from FAST.

These were all arrangements of personal convenience, not rooted in any philosophy to serve or protect the interests of the nation, its people, culture and traditions.

The weakness of those superficial and hollow FAST allegiances is now on full public display as they begin blaming each other for the FAST-SUP government's absolute failure to deliver its 2021 election promises.

Several days ago, I spoke to Hon. Ale Vena, who said, “When Laauli is locked up, I will be leader”.

This raises the question. What about Leota, Mulipola and Toelupe?

FAST has one major asset.

All 20 members dream of being the leader!

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP