Dear Editor,

The recent letter defending the Minister of Finance under the title “In response to ‘When the Minister of Finance fails to understand her own budget’” reads like a carefully polished exercise in deflection rather than a genuine explanation.

The writer speaks of “depth and complexity” and “months of analysis,” yet fails to acknowledge a glaring fact that this is the very same budget that the current Government previously blocked. Now, the same document once condemned is being presented as a masterpiece of fiscal prudence. Who are they trying to fool?

If the budget was indeed sound and grounded in “economic principles,” then why was it rejected before? And what exactly has changed besides the political seats now occupied? The public deserves honesty, not political amnesia dressed up as humility and diligence.  And then with a straight face, they close with a line about how “leadership is not a show, it is perseverance “yet the entire letter is a show, a polished performance pretending to be humility. If leadership truly isn’t a performance, then why the need for all this self-congratulation in print?

Real perseverance doesn’t need press releases; it proves itself through honesty and consistency. You can’t preach about “quiet service” while loudly defending the very budget you once condemned. That’s not humility, that's political theatre disguised as virtue.

Accountability begins with consistency. To lecture others about “responsibility” and “respect for process” while sidestepping this fundamental contradiction is disingenuous. The issue is not whether the Minister works hard but it’s whether the Government can admit that the budget they now praise is the same one they once condemned. Until that truth is acknowledged, no amount of eloquent rhetoric will restore credibility.

That said, I do want to acknowledge and sincerely commend the hardworking staff of the Ministry of Finance, the public servants who actually build the backbone of the budget. Their tireless work, professionalism, and commitment to Samoa’s development deserve genuine recognition. The credit belongs to them.

Umi Fuimaono