Dear Editor,

The announcement by the Government Press Secretariat on Monday that Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is privately funding his urgent medical treatment in New Zealand raises serious ethical concerns.

Firstly, as Prime Minister, La’auli is entitled to health care funded by the government.

His medical treatment and care are a national priority, which the Treasury should finance through various procedures and virements, even under the current budget.

How can the Press Secretary justify the lack of funds for the PM while the Deputy PM is flying first class to New York with his wife and delegation, costing the government much more than the treatment of the PM?

Secondly, the cost of an air ambulance, medical specialists, test, hospital stay, his spouse’s travel and allowances and the ongoing salary of the PM are significant!

If his family is to be reimbursed, then it must be done through a proper government process.

However, if there are third parties funding the cost of his medical evacuation, then this must be disclosed to the public.

Which third party, if any, is funding his air ambulance costs?

Do they have any direct or indirect business relationships with the Government of Samoa?

This would constitute an expensive in-kind gift and, unless it is clarified, will raise ethical questions.

We all recall the former Cabinet Minister who was photographed flying around to meetings on a private jet early in the term of the previous government.

The public perception of his interests was never the same after that incident.

Having taken the oath of the Prime Minister, the new La’auli now has the chance to show that he is an honest broker who will uphold the rule of law and be fully transparent in all his dealings.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP