Tight-lipped and no comment. That was the position adopted by members of the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) after a six and a half hour caucus meeting that ended late last night.
Held inside the Cabinet room at the government building, the meeting attended by all H.R.P.P. members – excluding the members on travel duty - started a 3pm. It followed a special Cabinet meeting called in the afternoon at 12 middday. What was discussed during both meetings could not be ascertained. Neither Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, nor any member of the H.R.P.P. would talk to the media last night.
“I can’t comment,” most of them who were approached by the Samoa Observer responded.
But one of them quipped: “I don't want to be sacked.” Later, a representative of the Prime Minister told the waiting media that Tuilaepa would not make a comment about the meeting either.
“Maybe tomorrow (today),” he said.
“As for tonight, there will be no media release.”
Down at the car park, party members immediately dispersed. With plates of food in hand, most of them were smiling when they left.
The meeting was held behind closed doors. Members of the media were made to wait in the lobby.
Security guards were present. Last night’s meeting follows weeks of discontent within the ruling party.
Two weeks ago, Siumu M.P., Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota, announced plans to set up a new party over growing unhappiness about the Minister of Finance, Faumuinā Tiatia Liuga.
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Tuu’u is not the only one who has spoken out about the Minister of Finance.
Former Minister of Finance, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, has also publically questioned Faumuina’s behaviour.
Last year, some 19 H.R.P.P. members attempted to remove Faumuina with a letter they wrote to the Prime Minister, outlining 18 allegations against the Minister.
The attempt was unsuccessful. Last month, Prime Minister Tuilaepa rejected claims there are frictions within his party.
He reiterated that the H.R.P.P. caucus had already decided on the future of Faumuina.
“This thing is not new,” he said. “We’ve already met about this.” During the meeting in question, held last year, Tuilaepa said “only three voted differently, wanting him to resign. Everyone else wanted him to continue and that’s how it is.”
Tuilaepa refused to give names.
“There is nothing wrong [within our party],” Tuilaepa said.
“We had a party last week and everyone was there except for these two who are still angry.They still don't have the heart to forgive.”
Asked who the two members are, he said: “I won’t tell you who they are.”
So is he likely to make a decision on them to put an end to claims that the H.R.P.P. is divided?
“No,” said Tuilaepa. “You know Christianity is about love and forgiveness.”
Back from New York at the beginning of the week, the Prime Minister is expected to speak to the media today.
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