Sāmoa political saga: Appointments of 13 associate ministers terminated

Thirteen Associate Ministers in Sāmoa have had their appointments terminated effective immediately, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday.

The latest move follows the removal of Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa from the ruling party on Wednesday.

Twenty members of Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa (FAST) unanimously voted to expel Fiamē, the party leader, and five of her closest cabinet members.

Fiamē had earlier dismissed three Cabinet ministers: Leota Laki Sio, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Labour; Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio'o, Minister of Women, Community and Social Development; and Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, Minister of Communication and Information Technology.

The prime minister also removed La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who was facing multiple criminal charges.

Fiamē appointed four new Cabinet Ministers: Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga, Niuava Eti Malolo, Mauu Siaosi Puepuemai, and Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua. They were sworn in by O le Ao o le Malo (head of state) Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II on Wednesday.

A Cabinet statement on Friday said the decision followed section 3(b) of the Parliamentary Under-Secretaries Act 1988.

"This decision arises from a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa's ability to work with the Associate Ministers and from the Associate Ministers' expression of no confidence in her leadership."

Sāmoa's Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa and the country's head of state, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II. Photos/file

The 13 associate ministers terminated include:

• Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa, Associate Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour

• Fuiono Tenina Crichton, Associate Minister for Communications and Information Technology

• Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo, Associate Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries

• Seuamuli Fasi Toma, Associate Minister for Women, Community and Social Development

• Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota, Associate Minister for Police, Prisons, and Corrections

• Agaseata Valelilo Tanuavasa Peto, Associate Minister for Education and Culture

• Tea Tooala Peato, Associate Minister of Health

Three of the 13 associate ministers terminated on Friday, from left: Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa, Agaseata Valelilo Tanuavasa Peto, and Fuiono Tenina Crichton. Photo/Savali media

• Magele Sekati Fiaui, Associate Minister of Finance (previously Associate Minister for Communications and Information Technology)

• Fo’isala Lilo Tu’u Ioane, Associate Minister of Health

• Fesola’i Apulu Tusiupu Tuigamala, Associate Minister for Justice and Courts Administration

• Ale Vena Ale, Associate Minister for Customs and Revenue

• Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe, Associate Minister for Customs and Revenue

• Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale, Associate Minister for the Prime Minister and Cabinet

From left, Leota Laki Sio, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio'o, and Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo have been dismissed from Cabinet. Photo/RNZ Pacific/FAST PARTY Facebook/Eyespy Radio 87.5/Patricia Scotland KC, Facebook

"The termination of Fepulea’i Faasavalu Faimata Su’a as Associate Minister for Police, Prisons, and Corrections was issued on 4 November 2023 and took effect immediately on that date.

"The official statement emphasises that the functions and responsibilities of the Executive Arm of Government continue under the leadership of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the Cabinet.

“The matter of confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership is the responsibility of Parliament, not of any political party.”

Fiamē told a media conference on Wednesday that divisions within the ruling FAST Party stemmed from Schmidt’s involvement in a court matter and his dismissal as a minister.

She said she was disappointed about how this impacted party unity, adding that no MPs have been charged in the hit-and-run case involving a young man.

Sāmoa's new Cabinet Ministers who were sworn in on Wednesday. From left, Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga, Niuava Eti Malolo, Mauu Siaosi Puepuemai, and Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua. Photo/Talamua Online, Sāmoa Observer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Sāmoa Observer - Vaitogi Asuisui Matafeo.

Fiame also criticised Laauli for spreading false information and condemned MPs' use of social media regarding sensitive issues.

A letter from 23 FAST MPs called for her removal as Party Leader and Prime Minister, citing concerns over police investigations, feelings of unprotection under her leadership, support for Laauli, absence of Cabinet Ministers from caucus meetings, and a lack of trust.

Fiame said leadership changes were parliamentary matters, including the internal discord to Laauli’s legal troubles.

Sāmoa's Parliament is expected to reconvene on Tuesday.