It has been clarified by the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Chief Executive Officer, Agafili Shem Leo, that there are no local civil servants attached to Prime Minister Laaulialmalietoa while he is on medical leave in New Zealand.

The prime minister departed on 21 September on a chartered flight and was supposed to return on 19 October; however, he was advised that he needed a longer recovery time.

He has, during his medical leave, held meetings with the New Zealand and Israeli governments. Agafili stressed, “There are no MPMC staff with the PM.”

The PM’s meetings have been publicised, but through his personal social media channels. He has also been part of social media-based broadcast talkback shows.

Images from the prime minister’s meeting with other government delegates showed that he had support staff.

Agafili clarified again that Laaulialemalietoa is away on medical treatment.

“Apropos usual government protocol, the Hon Prime Minister sought the cabinet’s approval for his travel, which was subsequently granted. He is away in his official capacity as Prime Minister,” Agafili said.

“In terms of cost, the Deputy Prime Minister has already addressed that issue in one of his press conferences. I reiterate that the Prime Minister is funding his trip and medical expenses in New Zealand."

Agafili was asked who was part of the media or communications team with the prime minister.

“In terms of media coverage in Samoa, the Press Secretariat and TV9/2AP cover government events working together with government ministries and corporations,” he replied.

Meanwhile, a reported meeting between New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Laaulialemalietoa is yet to take place.

There has been no official announcement of the meeting from the New Zealand government, and updates from Luxon suggested he was involved in other official engagements.

There is still no explanation from the government on the use of altered images from the prime minister’s first engagement, which was with New Zealand Foreign Minister Vavaosamanaia Winston Peters at the Samoan consulate.