Letter to the Editor - Taulapapa Victor Washburn
The recent dismissal of Agriculture Minister Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, under the guise of upholding the 'Rule of Law,' exposes a glaring hypocrisy and a chilling disregard for morality at the heart of Samoan politics. While the Rule of Law is a cornerstone of any just society, and a fundamental principle within the Westminster system of governance adopted by Samoa, its selective application in this instance reveals a deeply flawed and self-serving approach to governing.
The Prime Minister's swift dismissal of the Minister, ostensibly to uphold the "Rule of Law," raises serious questions about the true motives behind this action. While the Minister faces questionable charges – met with skepticism, brought by a police department whose public confidence is at an all-time low – the timing of the dismissal and the lack of due process raise concerns about political expediency.
This selective application of the Rule of Law creates a dangerous precedent where individuals, including innocent cabinet ministers, can be summarily dismissed based on allegations, often shrouded in ambiguity, by a department with a history of questionable due diligence. This sets a perilous precedent.
A Two-Tiered Justice System
The Prime Minister's actions strongly suggest the existence of a two-tiered justice system in Samoa, where those in power, including selectively chosen ministers serving under her own government, are held to a vastly different standard than ordinary citizens or those ministers deemed 'unfavorable,' such as Laaulialemalietoa, who is now the subject of police action.
While the Minister faces potential legal consequences, the Prime Minister herself, despite facing serious allegations of misconduct within her own caucus, remains shielded from scrutiny.
Recall the orchestrated campaign where the Prime Minister summoned each cabinet minister individually to her office for an intimidating interrogation. During these meetings, she bluntly demanded, "Do you still have confidence in my leadership?" Ministers who dared to express any dissent were summarily dismissed and sacked on the spot.
This authoritarian approach demonstrates a complete disregard for democratic principles and constitutes a blatant abuse of power.
What's even more concerning is the Prime Minister's alleged offer of government vehicles and salary increases to ministers in exchange for their continued support. This blatant attempt to buy loyalty through bribery is not only unethical but also likely constitutes a violation of electoral laws (Samoa Electoral Act 2019), undermining the principles of good governance and eroding the integrity of the democratic process.
This creates a profound sense of injustice and further fuels public cynicism towards the political establishment, which is already teetering on the brink of collapse with the governing FAST Party deeply fractured.
This, in turn, severely erodes public trust in the government's ability to impartially administer justice and uphold the fundamental principles of equality and fairness – principles that now appear to have been conveniently sidelined, or even discarded altogether, as witnessed in the recent opening of Parliament, where traditional Samoan customs of soaga (soalaupule, fe-faamagaloaí, and tofa fa'a Samoa) seemingly took precedence over parliamentary procedure.
Political Theater Over Substantive Justice
The Prime Minister's actions appear to be more about political theater than a genuine commitment to upholding the Rule of Law. This is the same 'Rule of Law' that she repeatedly trumpeted during the FAST party road show leading up to the last election, almost as a personal mantra rather than a core principle of the party manifesto.
It was this emphasis on the Rule of Law that somewhat propelled her to victory, delivering her the Prime Ministership on a silver platter. Ironically, this victory was largely due to the support of the very Minister she has now dismissed – the leader and Chairman of the FAST Party. This stark irony underscores the hypocrisy of her actions.
By publicly dismissing the Minister, the Prime Minister aims to project an image of strong leadership and a commitment to accountability. However, this public spectacle overshadows the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations against both the Minister and the Prime Minister herself.
The Prime Minister's Own Questionable Conduct
The Prime Minister's alleged involvement in the tragic murder of a close friend, allegedly perpetrated by another close associate, casts a long and ominous shadow over her claims to uphold the Rule of Law.
These allegations paint a disturbing picture of a leader potentially complicit in a cover-up, or at the very least, turning a blind eye to a serious crime, and may even involve active obstruction of justice.
This alleged involvement raises serious questions about the Prime Minister's integrity and her commitment to the principles of justice and fairness. How can a leader who is allegedly implicated in such a serious crime credibly demand adherence to the Rule of Law from others?
The allegations surrounding the murder case raise concerns about a potential pattern of misconduct by the Prime Minister. This, coupled with the unresolved hit-and-run case that tragically claimed the life of a university student, has cast a long shadow over the nation.
The investigation into this tragic event has seemingly stalled throughout the entire term of the FAST government, with the Prime Minister offering little comfort or guidance to the grieving family and the nation. This inaction further fuels public anger and deepens the existing political divide, leaving many feeling abandoned and disillusioned by their leaders.
If these allegations are substantiated, it would suggest a disregard for the law and a willingness to abuse power to protect her own interests and those of her associates. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the entire government and the potential for further abuse of power.
The current political landscape is further complicated by the internal turmoil within the FAST party, with a significant number of members, including the Prime Minister herself, having been expelled from the caucus. This unprecedented situation has left the government functioning as a minority, raising questions about its legitimacy and stability.
The Speaker of the Parliament, a member of the FAST party, has ruled that he has no authority to address the consequences of these expulsions, effectively leaving the matter unresolved. This decision has further eroded public trust in the democratic process and raised concerns about the impartiality of the legislative branch.
The Dangers of Hypocrisy
When those entrusted with upholding the law become the very ones to flout it, public trust in the government erodes significantly. This erosion of trust is particularly evident in the case of Samoas Once Upon a Time, Nafanua the Brave Prime Minister Fiame Naomi , where even her staunchest supporters are expressing growing disillusionment.
Social media reveals a surge of cynicism and apathy among the very electorate that propelled her to power, many of whom now feel betrayed and disillusioned by her leadership.
The Prime Minister's actions, or lack thereof, send a dangerous message that those in power are above the law and can act with impunity. This emboldens corruption and abuse of power, creating a culture where individuals feel empowered to act with disregard for the law and the rights of others. This can have a devastating impact on the social and economic fabric of Samoan society, undermining the rule of law and creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
This climate of fear is palpable, evidenced by the rampant corruption within the Police force. The misuse of outdated legislation, such as the Criminal Libel law, to suppress dissent and stifle free speech is a grave concern. Even innocent members of Parliament are now facing charges related to the tragic hit-and-run case, further exacerbating tensions and creating a climate of fear that pervades every aspect of Samoan society.
CONCLUSION ;
When the Rule of Law is selectively applied and those in power, including those within the Police force – tasked with upholding the law (tausi le pulega o le tulafono) – are not held accountable for their actions, the very foundations of democracy are threatened. In a country with deep cultural roots such as Samoa, where traditional customs play a significant role, it is crucial to uphold the Rule of Law alongside these cultural norms.
The future of Samoa hinges upon a return to the principles of justice, equality, and accountability. Upholding the Rule of Law is not just about adhering to legal statutes; it is about safeguarding the integrity of the nation and ensuring a just and equitable future for all Samoans.
End
Disclaimer: This opinion piece reflects the author's personal views and does not necessarily represent the views of any other individual or organisation.
Comments