Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) leader, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, has decried the Government’s use of public servants and institutions such as the Savali newspaper and radio 2AP for political campaigns.

Raising his concerns during the Parliament sitting on Tuesday, he said the State-owned media and properties are public institutions.

“This is our Government, these are after all our properties, it is our national radio,” he told the Parliament.

However, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi denied the charge, saying radio 2AP is open to anyone so long as they pay for the advertising.

“It was in March 2011 when the 2AP first approached me [for comments] because they had no news,” he said. “They had questions leading up to the election that year, I didn't consider continuing after that, because I'm quite busy every day. 

“But two weeks later they came back, asking about developments.”

La’auli also used the services of the Savali newspaper and radio 2AP when he was still in the Government, added Tuilaepa. 

“At that time La’auli was here with the H.R.P.P. and he was happy using these services to announce Government's development projects.”

The Prime Minister noted that the television station TV1 soon followed and started their own program.

“The Ministers and chief executive officers were urged to respond to the media and use the opportunity to talk about developments... but then there are media who twist the comments. 

“The chief executive officers after all are not angels and they don't want to talk to the media again after that.”

According to Tuilaepa, even international media wanted exclusive interviews with him and it was not easy catering to the media’s demands for exclusive interviews.

“One time I scolded the Savali and 2AP as to why they don’t seek comments from [F.A.S.T.] and I was told that they attended the [F.A.S.T.] conferences, but were scolded terribly by La’auli,” he told the Parliament.

Tuilaepa then claimed that F.A.S.T. has a low opinion of the Savali newspaper and radio 2AP and made reference to La’auli looking down on Savali reporter, Tusiga Taofiga who uses a wheelchair.

“They are not angels and why are you (La’auli) complaining, this is your doing,” said the Prime Minister.

He added that he does not ask for media coverage and only responds to media queries in order to correct allegations levelled against the Government. 

“If I don’t respond, there will be an assumption the allegations are true,” said the Prime Minister. “Mr Speaker, I am responding to allegations, but yet there are claims I am the one defaming others, when I am not. 

“I have to respond to the allegations against the Government, I am not dominating [the media] and I am not forbidding them to talk to [F.A.S.T.].”

Following a brief adjournment for a break, La’auli took to the floor and said there is no parity in the use of Government-owned media.

“Also there is an issue regarding the questions [government staff] posed to the Prime Minister which of course creates issues and problems,” said La’auli. 

But the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i dismissed the disparity claims and assured there is equal opportunity for everyone to use the services offered.

“The only thing is you have to pay for it,” he said. “The 2AP programme with the Prime Minister is not paid, but it brings in a lot of revenue. 

“We can easily get sponsors for this programme because it’s been quite popular over the years.”

In relation to the question directed to the Prime Minister, Afamasaga said the reporters are able to ask their questions freely.

This led to the Prime Minister also adding to the Minister's comments.

“It is not a paid programme because I didn't ask them to come [interview me], they are the ones approaching me.

"Unless I want a program then I will ask them, the same principle applies to the TV1, if I ask them for air time that means I have to pay for it.”

However, La’auli re-emphasised his point and said he had to stomach the Prime Minister's sledging using the media platforms and asked whether it was fair.

The Prime Minister then replied saying "that's political strategy" and that is what it takes to be a leader.