Dear Editor,

At a meeting last Friday, district leaders expressed their resounding condemnation of the new policies declared by Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, which they see as a blatant attempt to bribe public sympathy in the event of an unfavourable decision on a matter that is pending before the court.

It's a self-serving political ploy which is obvious to our people, chiefs, and politicians.

The message to La'auli was clear: he has no business meddling with the authority of the chiefs and orators.

“Who is he to tell us what to do?”

The district leaders shall never accept FAST appointees who have been convicted by the court to administer public money “for the benefit of our community.”

There is very little trust in the PM himself, as he has not been honest or transparent in many of the things he has said and done.

Many speakers at the meeting supported the actions already taken for the courts to address the corrupt policies and misuse of donor and taxpayer funds.

There is growing national support to hold the Prime Minister and his government accountable for their actions.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP