Leala laughs at P.M.

The Tautua Samoa Whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, has laughed at claims he needs to side with the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) to become a Cabinet Minister.

“I’m already a Minister,” he declared. “I’m a Shadow Minister. I don’t have to be there (with the H.R.P.P.). I’ve always been a (Shadow) Minister.”

Lealailepule, who is the Tautua Party’s Shadow Minister of Ports, was responding to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sai’lele Malielegaoi. In Parliament, Tuilaepa constantly scolds opposition M.Ps, telling them to wait until they become Cabinet Ministers before they can implement their ideas.

Tuilaepa was uncomfortable about Leala raising questions during the discussion of the Education, Science, Communication & Information Technology Committee Report on Samoa Qualification Authority Annual Report for Financial Year of June 2009 to June 2013.

Referring to the report under Accreditations of Standard Requirements for School, Leala questioned why “only six programs are already submitted to the Authority…”

The programmes include the Maritime Training under National University of Samoa while the others are still in progress.

“The question is, why are there only six programmes registered,” asked Leala.

“It’s been more than five years and there are only six programmes. Why aren’t primary schools included in here?”

The Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Magele Mauiliu Magele, said the job is not easy.

“The Ministry has to do a careful study,” he pointed out.

“They need to look at the curriculum, the level (of teaching) and other related areas. The school buildings have to be inspected and it’s not easy.”

Magele added that S.Q.A. was only established in 2006.

When Leala took the floor to continue, that’s when Prime Minister Tuilaepa intervened.

“I stand to commend the committee for the wonderful report,” said Tuilaepa. “They did a great job.

But for the Member that’s asking questions, just wait for your turn to become a Minister of Finance then you can make those changes.

Tuilaepa cautioned Leala against rushing in case he breaks apart on the fence. (aua soga teletelevave gao lou malepe luga le aupa) But Lealailepule laughed off Tuilaepa’s claim.

“I don’t need to be there to be a Minister,” he responded.

“I’m already a Minister. Honourable Minister of Education thank you and Minister of Women these are the things I need to question.”

At this point, the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Tolofuaivalelei Leiataua Falemoe stood up.

“This is an assembly of leaders of the Parliament,” said Tolofuaivalelei.

“We only record truthful things and that are in the Standing Orders.”

The Minister said Shadow Ministers are not legally recognised. He also reminded Leala that the next General Election is not long to go if he wants to be a Minister.

“People are listening and must be thinking, they want to be Ministers but they are so weak.”

The comments did not impress the leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II.

“With due respect but I am saddened by the words from the Minister,” said Palusalue.

“The Prime Minister addresses us as Ministers that stand in Shadows (tutu ile paolo).

“This is how we are addressed by the country and in newspapers, we are Shadow Ministers.”

Palu told Tolofua that he can try to deny this but “people address us in that way and it is recognised”.

Laughing at the response from Palusalue, Tolofua was up again.

“Just a little correction and a reminder to the Leader of the Opposition,” said the Minister of Women.

“He is speaking about going to the newspaper. We don’t use newspapers in this House.”

When Leala stood the Speaker La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao intervened. But Leala got in one last jab.

“The former Minister has spoken,” said Leala.

“I’d rather be a Shadow Minister than a Minister of a former Minister.” Lastly, Leala suggested to the committee that Primary Schools should be included in the Accreditation of Standards Requirement for Schools.

In the committee’s report chaired by Lenatai Victor Tamapua, it recommended that the government and Authority “should prepare programmes for Registered Schools in order to be uniform under the same programmes and courses taught in every school, in regards to qualifications prepared by the Authority.”

It also suggested that the Authority conducts a follow up on registered schools before PSET (Post School Education and Training programme) for review and approval.

Thirdly, is for overseas schools like A.P.T.C. should comply with provisions of the legislation for the review and approval of its curriculum by the Authority in accordance with standards set across the border for all schools within the nation.