Dear Editor,

The media’s recent fact-checking of statements made by the Chairman of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party raises serious concerns.

We have always known La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt has a problem dealing with facts and figures.

Taking credit for actions that predate the establishment of his FAST party, while he was still a member of the Human Rights Protection Party, demonstrates a clear lack of integrity and honesty.

It seems that his obsessive preoccupation with attacking HRPP and its leadership has clouded his thinking.

HRPP has launched its manifesto and plans for the 2025 general election.

We stand behind our record of 46 years of service to the nation and challenge the FAST-SUP government to put up its record against what we have delivered.

Last week, the FAST-SUP Minister of Finance made a desperate attempt to claim that his success has laid the foundation for HRPP to make its election promises.

The truth is that Samoa barely survived the FAST-SUP government’s incompetent leadership and management of the economy over the last 4 years because HRPP had laid a strong economic foundation, supported by civil servants with high professional standards.

The FAST-SUP Minister of Police is finally acknowledging that there is a methamphetamine epidemic in the country, four years too late!

The current SUP spokesperson has openly admitted that the FAST-SUP government was not able to deliver its 2021 election promise because they were not able to prioritise the needs of the nation.

This perfectly summarises the FAST-SUP government’s record under the leadership of La’auli and Fiame.

Samoa survived four years of corruption, a methamphetamine epidemic, violent crime, deteriorating hospital services, sky-high cost of living and electricity rationing under the FAST-SUP government.

Our people should be given a special resilience award for the suffering they have endured.

HRPP offers a vision, solutions, plans and the expertise to deliver for our nation, people, culture and tradition.

We will leave the excuses and fairytales to those who can’t handle the truth.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP