Finance Minister theories aplenty

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is scheduled to announce a new Minister of Finance at 4pm today.

Tuilaepa made the promise in Parliament last Wednesday, after Faumuina Tiatia Liuga resigned from Cabinet, amidst questions about his handling of a number of Cabinet portfolios over the years. Having accepted Faumuina’s decision, Tuilaepa said the appointment of a new Minister would not be easy, reiterating previous comments about everyone in the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) being a lau i’a (big fish).

“It will not be an easy decision,” Tuilaepa told the House. “Everyone in this party (H.R.P.P) is a professor.” Today, there are many theories about who could become the new Finance Minister.

The most popular it appears includes the promotion of the current Associate Minister of Finance to the top role. The post is held by Tuisa Tasi Patea, the M.P. for Sagaga le Falefa, who is also the Associate Minister of the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F), the Accident Compensation Corporation among other key government bodies.

Another theory involves the reshuffling of Cabinet to allow the Prime Minister to bring the Finance portfolio under his watch. In doing so, he could release one of the Ministries under his care, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are also rumours that Faumuina could be allocated another key Associate Minister role. And that could even be the Finance portfolio. The rumour has been heightened by a Facebook post by his son-in-law,

Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i, who wrote last week: “Fa’afetai lava to all friends and family who came to Parliament tonight (last Wednesday night) to support our dad, Parliament especially the opposition is very satisfied with answers to all the allegations against him.”

“He has now resigned as Minister of finance but will continue to work for government as associate ministr (sic) of finance.”

Whether that’s true or not, all will be revealed tomorrow. Meanwhile, on the streets of Apia yesterday, opinion was divided about who the new Finance Minister should be.

The majority of people questioned by the Samoa Observer wanted former Finance Minister, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, to be returned to the position.

Aloha Va’ai, of Nu’u-fou, for instance said there is no one “better suited” for the portfolio. “It would be great if the position is given back to Papali’i Niko Lee Hang,” said Aloha.

“Not only does he have the qualifications, but he is also familiar with the role. He is the right person for the job.”

Thinking back to when Papali’i was the Minister of Finance, Aloha said “the country didn’t grumble during his tenure” and “that is a clear indication that he is an honest person.”

“We need people like Niko Lee Hang because there is no use in talking when there are no records to tell the people how their money is being spent.” Seilala Luaao, of Vaitele fou, agrees.

“Papali’i Niko Lee Hang should be the Minister of Finance,” he said.

“He has more knowledge about money than anyone that I know of.”

Besides, Seilala pointed out that “nothing went wrong during his time” and that “the country never experienced any problems like we are today during Papali’i’s time.

So he should be back in that position.”

Leau Ripine, of Sa’aga Siumu, agreed to an extent.

“Papali’i has been an accountant for many years now and nothing ever went wrong during his time.

He is familiar with the role and he has shown that he can stand up to the Prime Minister,” Leau said.

But Leau also supported another candidate.

“There are only two people for the position. I would support Papali’i Niko Lee Hang and Tu’uu Anasi’i Leota.”

“Tuu’u I feel he can stop corruption because he has a heart for the country. Papali’i and Tuu’u both have the ability and knowledge to do the job and to deal with the people’s money so it’s a must for one of them to take up the position as Minister of Finance.”

But there were also some surprising recommendations.

One of them came from Malopito Simi Matamu, of Magiagi, who recommended the deputy Prime Minister and current Minister of Trade Negotiations.

“Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo should be given the position,” he said.

“He is honest and cares for the country. He is someone who reveals everything to the people and has knowledge of how to budget the country’s money.”

Malopito said qualifications matter little when there is no honesty and commitment.

“For me I think the next person in line for the Minister of Finance should be a role model to all of us.”

Visesio Lovo, of Leulumoega, backed the M.P. from his constituency. He said the current Minister of Women, Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D), Tofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua, should be the next Minister of Finance.

“I believe he has the potential because he is someone who talks the truth and whenever something goes wrong, he would always expose it.”

“He has a spirit that cares for the country’s welfare. If he does become Minister of Finance, I’m sure there would be no corruption within this country.” And there was even one unexpected nomination.

Malama Mose, of Utuali’i, believes Prime Minister Tuilaepa should “break tradition” by appointing someone from the Opposition to look after the country’s finances.

“I think Palusalue Fa’apo II should be the next Minister of Finance,” Malama said. “He strives for what is best for the people and I think it’s important that the position should be given to him.”

“He’s honest and he has revealed some of the corruption within the government. The position however, should be taken with responsibility.”

- with reporting from Kerstin Ofisa