The leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, aimed a campaign song released by supporters of the ruling Faatuatua i le Atua ua Tasi (FAST) party, accusing it of being an attempt to belittle his party. 

The FAST song is laden with defamatory remarks and carries information without evidence to back up the claims.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Tuilaepa claimed the song, allegedly written by FAST supporters, was designed to mock the HRPP, rather than highlight FAST’s achievements.

“The song that was written by Sinapi was about the things that the HRPP had done over the years,” he said. “But their song is about putting us down.”

He challenged the FAST party to write a song celebrating their accomplishments. “They should go do a song to uplift what they did, and write down all the things they have done,” said Tuilaepa.

Tuilaepa went on to list, in a sarcastic tone, what he described as the true record of FAST's time in power, citing a series of incidents and allegations that have circulated in public discourse: A controversial land deal involving 400 square metres in American Samoa, the importation of firearms without proper licensing and the handlement of Chinese tourists and misappropriation of funds. The list goes on, according to Tuilaepa. 

“They are the ones who have left the government like this and are now dancing at their houses because they all want to be prime minister,” Tuilaepa said.

“Go and do your own things,” he added, in a message directed at FAST leaders and their supporters.

The HRPP leader's remarks come as the campaign season continues to heat up ahead of the 29 August election.