Member hits out at dirty H.R.P.P. politics

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 14 October 2017, 12:00AM

Member of Parliament, Faumuina Wayne Fong, has expressed sadness at what he has described as “dirty politics” within the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P).

He has revealed there is underground jostling for the Prime Ministership position among certain members. He did not say who the members were.

But with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi remaining in hospital in New Zealand since he was evacuated two weeks ago, Faumuina told the Sunday Samoan these certain members of the Party have been campaigning for votes – should something happen to the Prime Minister.

“I find it absolutely disgusting,” he said yesterday.

“This is all happening while our Prime Minister is in New Zealand undergoing a medical check up. How can they think like that? These people are driven by the hunger for power they will stop at nothing to get what they want.”

Faumuina confirmed that he had been approached by a certain party member who is rallying for support. A devoted member of H.R.P.P., Faumuina said he was asked to join the group.

Faumuina declined to divulge who is behind the push and the members of the group.

But he rejected the offer.

“I declined the offer based on so many factors,” he said.

“But the most critical for me is the fact that these people are power hungry people who are self-centered. They will do anything to get to the helm.

“I call it the small party made up of small-minded people. 

“Here they are rallying up other people to select a leader when our leader is overseas getting his medical check up. 

 “We should be up in arms praying for our leader and not do this while he’s on his bed being sick.”

The Member of Parliament made it clear that he does not agree with all that going with H.R.P.P. and its members, but the timing of creating this fraction is unacceptable.

“For example the fact that while there are 47 H.R.P.P. members there are 22 of us who are just Members of Parliament, and only 25 are involved in the decision making of the Government. 

“That is why I am calling on my other H.R.P.P. members to stand up and make your voice be heard, don’t be limited to just what the Executive Members are telling us." 

“No, our voices should be heard within our party and we should also be part of making those decisions." 

“We are here to serve the people that put us in this seat, our constituents, not serve the other members of H.R.P.P.”

Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi was flown to New Zealand for emergency medical treatment. 

The Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Press Secretary issued a statement earlier this week, in Samoan, indicating that Tuilaepa is still being monitored.

The statement said the Prime Minister is still undergoing medical tests and checks are progressing well.

He said the doctors expected to find a clearer and broader picture about his condition at the end of the week.

“I want to say thank you to the country for your prayers and well wishes,” Tuilaepa said.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 14 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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