M.P. Tuu’u was made “scapegoat” for Faumuina

A Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) Member of Parliament (M.P.) yesterday broke the party’s silence over what happened at the caucus’ six and a half hour meeting on Tuesday night.

The M.P, who spoke to the Weekend Observer on the condition of anonymity, says the Minister of Finance, Faumunia Tiatia Liuga’s future should have been decided at the meeting. Instead, the meeting was divided between two issues – the Finance Minister and Siumu M.P., Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota, who threatened to leave the party if Faumuina was not sacked.

As a result, the member says he feels that Tuu’u was used as a “scapegoat” to avoid such a decision being made.

“So what happened at the meeting was that everybody had a turn to speak up,” he said.

“That the statements should touch upon both Tuu’u and Faumuina. I guess most of the statements from members in regards to Tuu’u was they all acknowledged that what Tuu’u did was childish and so forth.

“After Tuu’u has publically advised that he was joking and some members raised their concerns that this was an issue that no one should joke about, challenging the leader of the country to a fist fight.

“Which really I think Tuu’u only said because he was frustrated in regards to us not doing anything about Faumuina.

“So I think it was from his frustration that he was free to say anything and when questioned by the media somehow it got out of control.

“Well that was out and at the end of the day we all agreed to reinstate him back to the caucus.”

The source said he could not understand why the meeting addressed both issues – especially as Tuu’u’s actions were an internal matter and the issues surrounding Faumuina were ones that affected the whole country.

“Tuu’u’s case was more or less a party issue, an H.R.P.P. issue,” he said. “However, Faumuina’s case concerns you, me and the whole nation because of illegal practices such as not following government procedures and involving millions of tala. That is a big issue.”

The member said he questioned the reasoning behind discussing the two issues at the same meeting, saying that if what Tuu’u did needed to be discussed that is what they should have focused on. “Because in my own thoughts, I think Tuu’u was used as a scapegoat to distract attention from the main issue,” he said.

“But then the meeting went along, and it took so long because each member had to stand up and speak and give their views on the two issues.

“So some of the time was more or less spent discussing Tuu'u’s fate. Which I think is not an issue that affects everybody it only affects the H.R.P.P. Party.

“But as I said, I think that Tuu’u was just a scapegoat because the main issue was Faumuina.”

He said the most frustrating part of this whole situation was that this was the second time caucus had come together to discuss the issues with the Finance Minister.

“The first meeting was in regards to a letter signed by some frustrated members regarding Faumuina’s behaviour.

But this second meeting was particularly in regards to the Auditor’s Report.”

He said the meeting regarding the letter only focused on some problems with the Finance Minister.But more critical issues have come to light following the publication of the Auditor’s Report.

“Which revealed practices not following government procedures in terms of procurement policies, tender processes, and these are the issues, it is all in the auditor’s report,” he said.

“Which were reconfirmed by the Parliament Select Committee report.

“So the meeting was to discuss Tuu’u ’s fate as a member of the caucus and also to see how the members felt about the issue regarding Faumuina.”

The source said that outside of the caucus, there were a number of members who were quite vocal in their frustration with the Finance Minister.

“The thing is, he really apologised and cried after that first caucus meeting for what he did, he felt that he was doing the wrong things,” the member said.

“And then after that there was some other issues, recent issues.

“So he wasn’t really sorry about what had happened and that is why a lot of members are now really discontent and frustrated…because within a couple of months he goes back and does the same things.

“I mean if everybody were vocal and quite outspoken about this issue then, if they all had stood up that night and make their intentions known, their true intentions, I think the decision would have (been made) on that night.

“We were expecting a decision to be made that night because this is the second time,” said the party member.

“The first time maybe there wasn’t enough support because a lot of members were away.”

There were only 19 members at the first caucus meeting and about 40 at the second caucus meeting.

About three or four members were out of the country As a result of this the fate of the Finance Minister has been left in the hands of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, he said.

“Well he did say that there is 16 in favour, there is 16 against – so it is a draw this is what he told us, but I mean some were neutral,” the source said.

“Well it wasn’t confirmed because it was just his count, but some were not sure, they were sitting on the fence.

“So we didn’t make a vote because I am sure he knew if a vote was taken maybe people will vote for the cause (Faumuina’s resignation).

“But then they didn’t let that happen and he told us to leave the issue to him. He would have a think about it and then in the next two weeks call a caucus meeting.

“Hopefully before the Parliament meeting. So that is what we are all waiting for now. I hope justice will be done at the end of the day.

“Like I said if everything else fails hopefully God is righteous with his judgement.”

He said while the Prime Minister is left to deliberate on his decision there was a large group of the H.R.P.P. who would continue to pursue the issues plaguing the Finance Minister.

“I think we have a good number of those who are pursuing the issue and for Faumuina to do the most honourable thing: to resign,” the source said.

“Because we have a good number of members now supporting our cause including three cabinet ministers. I would say maybe 15 or 16 members for him to resign.”

“If no action is taken then what is the point of making and submitting reports to Parliament for Members of Parliament and Select Committees to confirm the audit findings?

What is the point of making reports?” He said if nothing is done then this would become a very slippery slope for members in public service in the future.

“I think that is what is going to happen if nothing is done about all these illegal practices and stuff,” the source said.

“I mean this is the auditor's report – and the Officer’s of Parliament Committee’s Report (O.P.C.) confirmed the (Finance Minister’s) actions were illegal and they didn’t follow procedures government policies, that is illegal that is corrupt.

“If they don’t address it then who is going to address it – just leave it like that and let it be swept under the carpet.

“Despite losing millions and millions of tala – and it is affecting aid money as well, especially if ministers don’t handle money properly and misappropriate funds.

“It’s a big disadvantage to our government but then we cannot sit and not report this it is unfair to the country.

“So what ever happens the hammer will fall on the head of the nail.

“We were just doing our job – he never did his job properly so he has to be accountable, no one is above the law.

“It is sad that this is happening, but unless we do something to stop it right now it will continue and that is not good.”

The Auditors Report and the O.P.C. report are scheduled for debate in the House on 18th March.