top of page

Former Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo Breaks Silence on Leadership Concerns and Controversies

Writer's picture: BluwaveBluwave


Former Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo Breaks Silence on Leadership Concerns and Controversies


Former Minister for Women, Community, and Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, has spoken out for the first time in an exclusive live interview with Radio Samoa on Thursday evening. Addressing growing tensions within the ruling FAST Party and key issues of national concern, Mulipola offered sharp criticism of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa’s leadership, shedding light on grievances that have been simmering for months.


Radio Samoa Interview

Standing Firm on the Letter of Dissent

Mulipola was unwavering in her support for the letter signed by 24 members of the FAST Party, which raised concerns about Fiame’s leadership. “From the beginning of that letter to the end of that letter, I stand by it,” Mulipola declared, defending her decision to sign the document. She criticised those ministers who had reportedly signed the letter only to later apologise to Fiame, claiming ignorance of its content out of fear of losing their ministerial portfolios.



Communication and Leadership Criticisms

In the interview with Leiataua Savea, Mulipola emphasised a lack of communication between the Prime Minister and her ministers as a significant source of discontent within the party. She pointed to several unfulfilled commitments, including a long-promised party retreat that was repeatedly deferred.


Mulipola was particularly critical of Fiame’s lack of response and action regarding the inaccuracies and inefficiencies within the Samoa Police Department. These issues, she argued, cast doubt over the caucus’s integrity and whether something is being deliberately concealed. Highlighting the case of Tua’au, the teenager who was the victim of a hit-and-run incident, Mulipola noted that caucus members had requested a meeting with Fiame to address the situation after the police informed FAST Chairman La’auli that he would be charged and detained on 24 January for alleged defamation and his involvement in seeking justice for the victim. Despite the urgency of the matter, Fiame failed to respond.


“As a leader, I would have thought this issue would be at the top of her priorities, especially given La’auli’s crucial role as Chairman of the FAST Party,” Mulipola said.


Additionally, Mulipola accused Fiame of operating with a select group of allies within the party while neglecting to communicate effectively with the entire caucus. “This selective approach to leadership raises serious questions about her commitment to fostering unity and transparency within the party,” she added.


Reflections on Ministerial Changes and Achievements

Mulipola expressed frustration over her reassignment from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development during a cabinet reshuffle. As Samoa’s first female Minister of Finance, she claimed significant success in transforming the ministry, which she described as being “in shambles” when she took office. “I dedicated my time and effort to rebuilding the Ministry of Finance. My successor now benefits from the foundations I laid,” she remarked.


She revealed that when she questioned Fiame about the decision to reassign her, the Prime Minister said she was “comfortable and content” with the Ministry of Finance under its new leadership. Fiame urged Mulipola to focus on the FAST Party’s flagship initiative, the District Development Project (DDP), which falls under the Ministry of Women. Mulipola committed herself to the role, but the reshuffle left her questioning the motives behind her removal from finance.


Parliamentary Dynamics and Legal Concerns

The former minister also raised questions about the current parliamentary sitting arrangements, noting that the Prime Minister and five other cabinet members have been removed from the FAST Party. She cited the Samoa Electoral Act, particularly section 141, which she believes mandates that members of Parliament who are no longer part of a political party must vacate their seats and trigger by-elections.


“Why has the Speaker not enforced this law? Those sitting in Parliament without a party must exit and face by-elections,” Mulipola asserted. She questioned whether the current parliamentary structure represents the will of the people, pointing out that the FAST Party now holds 20 seats, the opposition HRPP has 18, and Fiame’s faction consists of only 15 members.


A Call for Accountability

Mulipola’s remarks have sparked further debate about the state of leadership within Samoa’s government and the accountability of its institutions. She stressed that leaders are accountable not only to the people of Samoa but also to the constituencies that elected them. She also questioned the amiotonu (justice and fairness) of the situation in Parliament, where, she argued, procedural and ethical norms are being ignored.


“When I was young, my parents taught me to do the right thing,” Mulipola said. “I stand by my actions and the signed statement to Fiame. I will always do what I believe is right for the people and my country.”


Her critique of Fiame’s leadership, communication, and handling of sensitive issues, combined with her concerns over parliamentary legitimacy, is likely to resonate with both supporters and critics as Samoa navigates a period of political uncertainty. As the nation awaits the government’s response to these allegations, it remains to be seen whether Mulipola’s call for transparency and action will prompt any changes or merely deepen the divisions within the ruling party.




2,610 views

Comments


smi_2.png
SMI-Logo-2024.jpg

Numera Samoa: +68525799

Numera NZ: +6421820594 fesili mo Maiava Leslie Wulf

O le tatou imeli: salesnz@smisamoa.ws

bottom of page