Healthier, wiser P.M. turns 69

“These are very ugly years if you reach them, these are very ugly numbers, 6 and 9” – P.M. Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi

An “older” and “healthier” Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, was back in Parliament yesterday, after what he described as a “sudden disappearance.”

Having turned 69 years old yesterday, the week’s Parliament session was only a few minutes old when Tuilaepa announced his return.

“My sudden disappearance during the last meeting is no longer a secret,” he said, adding that he was somewhat sad having to leave “our warm fellowship.”

But it’s great to be back, he said.

“Now we are back today, one of my ministers has reminded me that when we had the last meeting, I was 68,” he said.

“And now I’m 69, or 96, if you reverse the nine and six; it is still the same thing.” The numbers worry Tuilaepa.

“These are very ugly years if you reach them, these are very ugly numbers, 6 and 9,” he said to laughter from the floor. According to him, it’s amazing how time flies quickly.

“But this is a good opportunity to say thank you to the leaders of the churches and everyone who prayed for me. I also want to thank members of Parliament and all members of the country who visited me at Moto’otua and Mercy Ascot Hospital in Auckland.”

While in New Zealand, Tuilaepa said he received injections to strengthen the “troops inside my blood veins…”

He said this was vital and he urged Members of Parliament to take the message about health prevention seriously, to avoid “what happened to me.”

He added that as people, “we learn from things that happen. They give us new thoughts.”

Turning his attention to the leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II, Tuilaepa acknowledged his role.

“I want to especially thank you for coming to see me at Moto’otua,” he said.

“I did not expect you to come up and yet you performed your role as an elderly deacon of the church.”

But Tuilaepa had a bone to pick with Palusalue. He said he found out later that Palusalue had been spreading rumours “that I was extremely sick, that I only had a few days (to live).

“So I doubted the spirit in which you came.” The Prime Minister also acknowledged the work of Speaker, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao, noting Parliament had gotten through a mountain of work in his absence. “I doubt that there is anyone in here who doesn't want to reach eternal life,” he said.

“The only difference (between ourselves is that we’ll all go at different) times.

He added: “Our prayer to our heavenly master is to delay our days a bit more until a few more elections up ahead.”

About the work of Parliament this week, Tuilaepa reminded that the country is “commemorating the death of our Christ.”

“So the plan, Mr. Speaker, is that we meet until Wednesday and then we’ll take a break,” he said.

“We’ll try to deal with as many reports as possible and we’ll finish with that report the House has been waiting for, the Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C) Report.”

As the new Minister of S.L.C, Tuilaepa issued a warning to the Opposition.

“To the leader of the Opposoition, since I returned, the muscles of my troops (inside the blood veins) are as strong as a chain saw.” In response, Palusalue welcomed back Tuilaepa.

“We were praying for your speedy recovery,” he reassured.

“I recall you usually say that your heart will smash the machine that would be used to assess it but I note that this time, it’s not your heart but your leg.”

In any case, Palusalue said it was good to have the Prime Minister back.

“My only concern is that I’m not sure if the members of your party were as concerned as we were about your absence.” Parliament continues.