Dear Editor,

Samoans are taught to accept gifts with gratitude and grace, as they are viewed as blessings from God.

More importantly, we are taught to reciprocate these kind gestures, often with the same level of generosity, if not more.

Relatives would contribute collectively to family undertakings as a genuine expression of love, support, and shared responsibility.

This cycle of gift giving has become a part of our traditional ceremonies, with cash and gift exchanges often costing families thousands of tālā.

However, it becomes a financial trap or obligation that many cannot meet.

Today, this practice has transcended cultural boundaries into other areas, where it is deemed inappropriate, unethical, or illegal.

It is now applied to almost every occasion, and at times bordering a thinly disguised attempt to secure silence in the face of wrongdoing.

We witnessed its blatant abuse in our elections.

Samoans know when their culture is being exploited, and the motives behind gift-giving are questionable.

Yet we are more inclined to accept than to challenge it, viewing them as blessings.

This week, both the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister staged separate gift-giving ceremonies for Members of Parliament.

While I expressed my gratitude for the gesture, I respectfully returned the gifts.

This decision signals our commitment, as the Opposition, to actively and fearlessly carry out our role against the wrongs we have witnessed.

There are ongoing criminal proceedings involving the Leader of Government and other Members of Parliament.

All that remains is our hope that the decisions will be delivered soon.

In the meantime, let us be reminded that whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord and will be repaid for their deed done without publicity.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP