Papali’i Niko, Tuu’u Anasi'i Standing for what is right

The courage to speak up against wrongdoing is a rare quality, especially when one goes against colleagues and a group he belongs to.

And yet for the past couple of years, two Samoan politicians who have personified courage and bravery amidst a climate of fear, which subtly exists within the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P), are Associate Ministers, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang and Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota.

In doing so, the Parliamentarians are slowly changing the political landscape in Samoa, for what many hope will be for the betterment of the nation.

Following the release of the Controller and Chief Auditor’s 2010 Report and the subsequent Officer’s of Parliament Committee’s report that supported the Auditor’s findings, the Associate Ministers say they refused to sit back and accept the status quo.

They wanted change – and they realised that it was up to them to make it happen.

So over the course of the past year, they have put party politics aside and instead forged ahead with Samoa and her people’s national interest at heart.

Speaking out again and again against the “corrupt practises,” the lack of good governance and those who are involved, this change in debate may have been a long time coming but it seems to have been worth it.

Small things are making a big difference to the transparency and accountability they seek from government.

Such as Parliament reports and Annual Reports now openly available to the public via the Office of the Legislative Assembly (O.C.L.A.) website.

Such as the resignation of former Finance Minister Faumuina Tiatia Liuga.

Such as other M.P’s finding their own voice and using it – even if it means they are not toeing the party line.

Such as giving the public hope that things will change if only a few have the courage to stand for what is right.

“We are doing it for our people and for our voters because they voted us into parliament to do work on their behalf,” said Papali’i.

“We can’t just come and sit and watch what the others are doing that is not right. We need to let the public know about it and if the leader doesn't feel happy about that, too bad.

“We didn’t come here to satisfy party politics we came here to satisfy our nation, our taxpayers.”

Papali’i did not hesitate to answer when asked why he has done what he has.

“I don't like corrupt practices,” he said. “I don’t like people coming into Parliament as M.P.s and (then) look for avenues to collude and defraud public funds.

“I don’t like it because I am a tax payer myself. I am sorry but I don't accept it, it is just my conscience, it is not right.”

Tuu’u had a slightly different take when asked.

“I think it gives people hope that there are some people in Parliament that stand up,” he said.

“This has been a long time coming people from our own party going against our party.”

With regards to the change in the political landscape, Tuu’u said there has been some achievement.

“That is an achievement and there are some colleagues that are trying to follow but they are still scared,” he said. “Myself and Niko are (speaking for) all 19-20 people so they say it is a consensus… what you are saying and expressing.”

Despite this lack of vocal plurality, it hasn’t lessened the impact the two have had in the visible changes to parliamentary debate.

Such as Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi chastising them when the tension within the H.R.P.P. spilled out onto the House floor.

“Well that is what we are trying to do (and) maybe others to speak up for themselves,” said Papali’i. “Because I know they feel the same way but they can’t express themselves in the open.”

Tuu’u said he was just trying to do what he can while he has the opportunity.

“While I am here in Parliament this is our time to do the right thing for the people you just cannot be following the leader,” he said.

“Seeing what is wrong and saying yes sir yes sir. When I said those things in Parliament, people stopped me on the street I didn’t even recognise them and they said continue doing that for the people.”

“Ohhh I think I have a lot of fans now,” he added in jest.

“I don’t even know the person and they come and say well done, well done,” he added with a more serious tone.

One issue that the two are currently standing together on is legislation.

In particular two Amendment Bills that are currently in play – the Constitution Amendment Bill and the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

“Well to tell you the truth, our voters are not happy with the changes that are now proposed by government to change our seats to urban seats,” said Papali’i.

“So it's a bit harsh for us because why change when there is no need to change - just like the saying if it’s not broken don't fix it.

“(This change) means they don’t need our support – we are not happy with it because of that – we are supporting government through H.R.P.P. and yet government is trying to get rid of us.

“What is the logic behind that?”

Tuu’u said the Citizenship Amendment Bill had failed to draw much support either, bipartisan or otherwise.

“Most of us are against it,” he said. “It is really good that you printed Associate Minister Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow that she is against it ‘Are we that poor’,” he said quoting her sentiments towards the Bill.

“I was very happy – she was very scared of the Prime Minister knowing those were her thoughts. So there are people who will say it around here but in Parliament House and our caucus they don't do that.”

With 15 and 20 years in public life respectively as M.P.’s, as Associate Ministers and as Cabinet Ministers, Papali’i and Tuu’u are both of the understanding that change for the better takes time, and planning.

That is why both politicians will continue to speak out.

“Any issue that affects our people that is not right we can speak out,” said Papali’i.

“There is no harm in speaking out when you know something is not right. So I just want to make it known that this is not right and something has to be done.

“Otherwise if we don’t speak out and we follow suit then they will blame all of us.

“You know very well what is wrong and yet none of you – you are just hiding all bad things Government Ministries and S.O.E.s are doing, so who is going to let the public know?

“I know it is hard for us because of our loyalty to our Party but it doesn't stop us from saying what we need to say.”

Tuu’u simply said yes – and that he has the support of his district.

“Of course it doesn’t stop me I have already told my people in the district,” he said.

“You know how I feel about government and the Prime Minister.”

And the 2016 election?

“Of course I am confident, with the Lord’s Blessing I will pray,” Tuu’u said.

Papali’i said he hopes his constituency will still lend him their support

“I know some who are very loyal to the Prime Minister they are not really happy with me but sorry I just have to (do this),” he said. “(But) we didn't do this to become popular, we wanted to do something different.”