The vast spread of “misinformation” causing "hatred" amongst the public and Samoans abroad is the Government’s hardest challenge now, the Member of Parliament for Faleata No. 3, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi said.

Leala, speaking in Parliament on Monday, was referring to the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) Party’s declarations to the public, saying they are “unrealistic” and “deceitful”, offering “misleading hope”. 

The Associate Minister of Communications and Information Technology (M.C.I.T.) said in his 15 years in the political ring, he has never seen such a strong influence of hate amongst the people.

“These things [campaign declarations] are normal in a period leading up to the election, one political party declares what they plan to do and another party lays out their plans should they win election, the usual,” said Leala.

“But the concern Mr. Speaker is that we are now in an era of social media, and it is now easier to spread statements that are dishonest and may result in extreme distress; that is my worry.” 

Leala said he worries that the F.A.S.T. declaration to “return lands” is of great concern, including to his constituents. 

According to the F.A.S.T. Party manifesto, and statements delivered at their traveling roadshows, they are looking to lay down plans to return unused Government lands.

“Your honour, when we talk about lands, this is very important because Vaitele is the only village in Samoa that was fully sold off by the Tama-a-Aiga at that time. They sold the whole village,” he said. 

“Even one land, nothing was left. 

“The question Mr. Speaker is, can we get it back? Can we? We cannot. 

“Due to a request, the Government thankfully allowed 29 acres of land to be sold; it cannot be given out for free.”  

The F.A.S.T. leader, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt was not immediately available for a response on Monday when contacted by this newspaper.

Last month, Member of Parliament Olo Fiti Vaai urged the Government to be fair in its decision to return unused land - previously owned by the German colonial administration - to villages.

The Salega East M.P. said the Government’s decision should not be limited to just two constituencies, saying only Letogo and Vailele of Vaimauga, and Vaitele benefitted from a recent decision by the Government. 

Olo clarified that F.A.S.T. aims to give the opportunity to other villages with unused lands registered under the state to be utilized by families and villages.

Still on land issues, Leala said in Parliament on Monday that he has exhausted himself trying to explain that there are no customary lands being sold by Government. 

He believes the F.A.S.T. declarations in regards to customary lands being affected by Government changes are misguided and damaging. 

“We keep telling and explaining to the people of Samoa that if they have customary lands which have been affected, tell us about it, and show us where it is,” he said.

“It has been 12 years, 2008, we passed this law when we were in this House Mr. Speaker; not a single complaint by families or villages.”

Leala was referring to the Land Titles Registration Act (L.T.R.A.) 2008.

“Those are only unfounded words and condescending declarations and yet nothing has happened. It’s caused a big problem, Mr. Speaker,” he said.

He said that it seems land issues are being used as a weapon by the growing opposition party to push their political agenda.

Leala also expressed sadness over claims the F.A.S.T. will decrease prices of certain goods and services whilst increasing the amount of some benefits from Government. 

“Mr. Speaker, I am sad because some of the Members of this political party are veterans in Parliament, more than 20 to 30 years in Parliament,” he said. 

“In any country, its expenses depend on income received. We are getting money and it is sufficient for our livelihoods every day; the reason why we have debts is for the development of Samoa.

“So now they have spread the misguided words and it reflects the English phrase: little knowledge, very dangerous.” 

Leala was inferring to constant criticism from opposition parties in regards to the nation’s inflated debt to overseas creditors. 

During the unveiling of the F.A.S.T. manifesto late last year, Laauli expressed great concerns regarding the Government’s debt which is currently more than a billion, questioning the government’s ability to repay. 

He said the building of Tiavea Airport and the Vaiusu Wharf project will cease and efforts will be directed to improving existing wharves and airport, to "save Samoa from having more debts."