Tuilaepa rejects call to limit P.M.’s term

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 July 2017, 12:00AM

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has brushed off suggestions by some members of the public that the Prime Minister’s position be limited to two terms. 

Tuilaepa has been serving as Prime Minister since 1998. 

The suggestion followed his public announcement about the sensitivity around the selection of the Head of State and the idea that further appointments should be capped at two terms.  

Asked for a response to suggestions from the public about limiting the terms of the Prime Minister, he said it is a non-issue.

 “The Members of Parliament are not even thinking about that,” he said, “not even close. That is far from their thoughts.”

Tuilaepa then asked why his position was being questioned.

“It’s not my appointment that’s up for discussion,” he said. 

“Why drag the Prime Ministership into this when the Prime Minister’s seat is not even the subject of the matter?” he said chuckling. 

Tuilaepa has been Prime Minister for 19 years.

He attended high school at St Joseph's College in Lotopa and obtained his Master's degree from the University of Auckland, becoming the first Samoan to receive a Master's degree in Commerce, according to Wikipedia. 

He is an economist by profession. 

Prior to entering politics, Tuilaepa served in Government in the Department of Treasury and also as an expert Intra-ACP Trade, Transport & Communications with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) General Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. 

He first entered Parliament in 1981 and is the Member of Parliament for the Lepa Constituency. 

He is the Chair and Patron of many organisations and corporations in Samoa as well as international organisations.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 July 2017, 12:00AM
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