The Chairman and Leader of the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt reaffirmed the party's commitment to the promises made during the 2021 General Elections remains steadfast, despite ongoing internal friction.

In a media interview on Tuesday, following a court appearance, La'auli said while the party navigates internal disagreements, they will not deviate from the key pledges made to the Samoan electorate.

 "We remain committed to the promises we made to the voters before the 2021 elections," he emphasised. 

"Whatever the party vowed to do, that's where we stand—the 20 or the majority of the party. We promised we would deliver those promises in this parliamentary term, and that's what we are firm on."

The F.A.S.T. party’s election campaign was built on significant constitutional reforms, including amendments to the Lands and Titles Court and changes to the Electoral Act. La'auli referred to promises such as the restoration of the seat for Saleaula in Savai'i and the introduction of voting rights for overseas Samoans. 

According to La'auli, these promises are central to the party’s mandate, and the internal tensions within the group will not derail their progress in fulfilling these objectives.

"We will not let the internal frictions within the party interfere with our plans right from the start," La'auli stated confidently. "The people of Samoa deserve the reforms we promised, and that’s exactly what we intend to deliver."

The amendments La'auli mentioned are in progress, with the Parliamentary Committee still pending a report to Parliament after conducting public consultations on the proposed changes.

La'auli also addressed the issue of the six members expelled from the party, confirming that they are no longer considered part of the FAST movement.

These members include the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa who is the former Leader of the party along with her Deputy, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, and four other Cabinet Ministers, Olo Fiti Va'ai, Leatinu'u Wayne Sooialo, Faualo Harry Schuster and Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster.  

 "The majority of the party have spoken and made a decision. That decision is final, and we stand by it," La'auli asserted. 

"It will not be overruled. Should any of them decide to challenge that decision, they are more than welcome to seek the court’s guidance and opinion on their membership and seats."

The FAST party leader also noted that discussions are ongoing regarding the future of the nine Cabinet Ministers who remain with the party, but have yet to be expelled. 

"We are still exploring our options and discussing that internally as a party," La'auli explained.

While the internal party struggles are focused on leadership issues within the executive arm of government, La'auli reassured both supporters and the public that the party's manifesto remains the guiding force. 

"We have not forgotten about the promises highlighted in the party’s manifesto. We will ensure those promises are delivered before the current parliamentary term finishes."