Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has defended his decision to vote against the government’s proposed national budget, insisting there is already sufficient funding available to keep essential services running.

Speaking after the vote, the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) leader said the current budget still holds enough funds to support government operations, despite concerns raised about how it will impact ministries.

“There is money,” Tuilaepa said. “There are other funds available. When the budget falls, we can still use 25 per cent from the current budget for the financial year. I know there is a lot of money — hundreds of millions — still left.”

Tuilaepa criticised the FAST party chairman and Finance Minister Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, suggesting he does not fully understand the financial situation.

“We are going into an election, and there is no [money],” he said. “Then we will do our job again, by telling and showing the government what to do. When something is wrong, we will suggest what should be done.”

Tuilaepa argued that rejecting the budget will not paralyse government operations and said his party has consistently offered practical advice on issues needing urgent attention, such as the cost of living, fixing the roads and the need for more medicine at the local hospital.