P.M. downplays salary cut

By Mata'afa Keni Lesa 29 July 2018, 12:00AM

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has downplayed Cabinet’s decision to slash his salary from $187,500 to $182,070 per annum.

He has also rejected concerns raised by Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, about the decision saying Olo is just using the issue as a political tool.

“It’s up to him if he’s not happy,” Tuilaepa said in response to Olo’s criticisms of the decision where he called it “insulting”.

“I know he’s not genuine. You know in this life as a Parliamentarian, if you see somewhere firing an arrow towards the west, then you have to look east. That’s politics." 

“If somebody tells you that what they’re talking about is white, then you know it’s not white but it’s actually black. Don’t be fooled by it.”

Last week, a Cabinet paper published by the Samoa Observer revealed that while Cabinet approved a salary increase for Judges of the Court, the Prime Minister’s salary was cut by $5,000 per annum.

Asked for a comment, the Prime Minister said the reduction of his salary is not new.

“If we don’t make a lot of money, then that’s how it is,” Tuilaepa said. “That’s why we always emphasize the need for taxpayers to pay their taxes. Don’t get tired of paying your taxes because the government has got developments to implement.” 

He added that salaries and wages for public servants are determined by “the revenues we collect.”

The Prime Minister went on to explain that his role in Cabinet is similar to a high chief in the village who is responsible for distributing cash received by the village council.  

 “You see a lot of our policies are based on our traditions and cultural values. So when it comes to budgeting from year to year, it’s my responsibility to allocate the money.”

According to the Prime Minister, in any village, there is an orator who starts the meeting, there is an orator who acts as the chief judge who dishes out penalties and then there are paramount chiefs who seek to pardon and lessen penalties for people who are being punished. 

There is also a matai who distributes food and monies received for one reason or another. 

“So what happens is that an orator who wants to do the best for his village, quite often goes without (food or money), he gives everything away,” Tuilaepa said.

He said there are different ways some orators give out the money. Some only give out part of it when they keep the rest. 

“These kind of people don’t end up well, they always end up being sick. So don’t distribute money like that."

“My point is that when it comes to distributing (monies), you don’t put yourself first. And that’s how it works.”

Tuilaepa smiled and said he is not grumpy about the decision.

Last week, Olo appealed to the Government not to reduce the salary of the Prime Minister.

“This is where the Government should apply common sense,” he said. “The Prime Minister has been a public servant for many years and this is what he gets in return? A reduction on his salary?" 

“This is an insult and this Tribunal recommendation should not be considered at all.”

He added: “I am not speaking as a politician, rather I speak as a citizen of this great country, considering the accomplishments and how Samoa has come since independence if anything, his salary should at least be $300,000.” 

By Mata'afa Keni Lesa 29 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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