‘Rumours to fill up newspapers,’ P.M. downplays H.R.P.P. conspiracy

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 25 October 2017, 12:00AM

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi says there is nothing going on within the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.). 

Tuilaepa said the Members of Parliament “made up” rumours “to help fill the newspapers” when he was away.

This was his explanation when asked for a comment on claims of underground jostling for the position of Prime Ministership. 

Two weeks ago, H.R.P.P .member, Faumuina Wayne Fong, expressed sadness at what he described as “dirty politics” within the ruling H.R.P.P.

Faumuina said there was underground jostling for the positon of the P.M. among certain members of the party. 

But he did not reveal any names.

The matter was brought under the spotlight when Prime Minister Tuilaepa was in New Zealand for medical reasons.

 “I find it absolutely disgusting,” Faumuina was quoted saying in an early edition of the Sunday Observer. 

“This is all happening while our Prime Minister is in New Zealand undergoing a medical checkup.

“How can they think like that? These people are driven by the hunger for power (and) 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.

However, at the Press Conference called by his office, the Prime Minister says this reminds him of a similar incident that happened four years ago. 

“It happened during the previous party where four of them met and told the reporters of the newspaper to help them fill their paper,” said Tuilaepa. 

“They made it up and kept me in the loop while I was away and then they laughed about it afterwards.  

“There is nothing going on and remember that when I am away my colleagues will make up stories out of pity for the media who need stories to fill the paper. 

“We met yesterday and we laughed about it,” said Tuilaepa. 

It was put to the Prime Minister the journalists did not start this; it was his “disciples” who started it, which almost ended in a fist fight. 

But Tuilaepa was adamant this was not true. 

He also dismissed suggestions that the postponement of Parliament was due to his absence. 

“No, it was because there was not that much work to be done hence the postponement. 

“I have seen the mandate paperwork for Parliament and maybe within two to three weeks then there will be a Parliament session. 

“By then there should be enough mandates prepared in order for the Parliament to go in session.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 25 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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