Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi

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The Honourable

Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi
Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi 2018.jpg
Tuilaepa in 2018
6th Prime Minister of Samoa
In office
23 November 1998 – 23 July 2021[a]
O le Ao o le MaloMalietoa Tanumafili II
Tupua Tamasese Efi
Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II
DeputyMisa Telefoni Retzlaff
Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo
Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa
Preceded byTofilau Eti Alesana
Succeeded byFiamē Naomi Mata'afa
Leader of the Opposition
Assumed office
27 July 2021
Prime MinisterFiamē Naomi Mata’afa
Preceded byPalusalue Faʻapo II (2016)
Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party
Assumed office
23 November 1998
DeputyMisa Telefoni Retzlaff
Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo
Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa
Preceded byTofilau Eti Alesana
Other offices held
5th Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
23 November 1998 – 24 May 2021
Preceded byTofilau Eti Alesana
Succeeded byFiamē Naomi Mata’afa
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
In office
11 September 2020 – 24 May 2021
Preceded byFiamē Naomi Mata'afa
Succeeded byToeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster
Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa
In office
15 May 1991 – 23 November 1998
Prime MinisterTofilau Eti Alesana
Preceded byTupua Tamasese Efi
Succeeded byMisa Telefoni Retzlaff (2001)
Member of the Samoan Parliament
for Lepa
Assumed office
May 1981
Preceded byFatialofa Momo'e
Personal details
Born
Sa'ilele Malielegaoi

(1945-04-14) 14 April 1945 (age 76)
Lepa, Western Samoa Trust Territory (now Samoa)
Political partyHuman Rights Protection Party
Spouse(s)Gillian Meredith
Children8
Alma materUniversity of Auckland
Tuila'epa with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at the 3rd UN Small Islands Developing States conference, August 2014
Tuila'epa and his wife Gillian Muriel Malielegaoi with the Obamas

Tuila'epa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Sa'ilele Malielegaoi (born 14 April 1945)[1] is a Samoan politician and economist who served as the 6th prime minister of Samoa from 1998 to 2021. Tuila’epa is Samoa’s longest serving prime minister and is currently the Leader of the Opposition. Since 1998, he has led the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). Tuila'epa first entered parliament in 1981 when he won a by-election to represent the electorate of Lepa. He also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in the government of former Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana, and also held the portfolios of Tourism and Trade, Commerce & Industry.[2]

Tuila’epa lost his majority in the 2021 election but refused to leave office, leading to the 2021 Samoan constitutional crisis. The crisis was resolved by Samoa's Court of Appeal on 23 July 2021, which ruled that Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa had been prime minister since 24 May.[3] On 26 July, Tuilaepa conceded defeat and assumed the role of opposition leader the following day.[4][5]

Biography[]

Tuilaepa, born in the village of Lepa on the island of Upolu, attended high school at St Joseph's College in Lotopa and at St Paul's College, Auckland in New Zealand.[6]:55 He then obtained a master's from the University of Auckland, becoming the first Samoan to receive a master's degree in Commerce.[7]

He worked for the European Economic Community and for Coopers & Lybrand before winning election to the Samoan parliament in 1981.

Tuilaepa lost two relatives in the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami, including the daughter of one of his nieces.[8] The tsunami destroyed most of Malielegaoi's hometown of Lepa, leaving just the church and the village's welcome-sign standing.[9]

Political career[]

Tuilaepa was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance under Tofilau Eti Alesana following the Human Rights Protection Party's return to power after the coalition government of Va'ai Kolone and Tupua. For a while he was both Prime Minister and Minister of Finance after Tofialu stepped down from the Premiership. However, following a Cabinet reshuffle after the following elections of 2001 in which he led the HRPP for an additional term, Tuilaepa relinquished the post of Minister of Finance to Misa Telefoni Retzlaff who also became the new Deputy Prime Minister.

The reason given for Tuilaepa's relinquishment of the Ministry of Finance was the amount of responsibility and work involved being both Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and to do the job properly required a full-time Minister.

Tuilaepa first won election to represent his Lepa district in 1980,[10] after the death of the previous representative. He has been re-elected for Lepa since that time. He served as finance minister in the Tofilau government of 1991 and 1996. In 1991, he was appointed deputy prime minister. In 1998, Tofilau retired from parliament (and hence the prime ministership) due to ill-health. Tuilaepa then became the 6th Prime Minister of Samoa. He has successfully led his HRPP party to re-election in the 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 general elections.[10] In 2012 Tuilaepa became Samoa's longest serving Prime Minister, surpassing the tenure of his predecessor, Tofilau Eti Alesana. At the time of his electoral defeat in 2021, Tuilaepa was also the second longest serving incumbent prime minister in the world, only behind Cambodia's Hun Sen.[11]

Policies[]

Opposition to Fiji's Bainimarama[]

Tuilaepa has emerged as one of Oceania's most vocal critics of Fijian interim leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who came to power in the 2006 Fijian coup d'état. Tuilaepa has stated that Bainimarama has shown little respect for the opinions of regional Pacific leaders.[12] Tuilaepa has said that Bainimarama's actions since the 2006 coup have shown that Bainimarama has no intentions of returning Fiji to democratic rule or holding transparent, free elections.[12] Tuilaepa cites numerous actions by Bainimarama to back up his criticisms, including rescinding assurances to leaders at a regional meeting in Tonga that elections would be held in May 2008.[12] He has also criticised Bainimarama as a "no-show" at regional meetings of the Pacific Islands Forum in Niue and Papua New Guinea.[12] Tuileapa has said that Bainimarama's failure to compromise, hold democratic elections and meet with regional leaders is not the "Pacific way."[12]

In a February 2009 continuation of the war of words between Bainimarama and Tuilaepa, Bainimarama accused Samoa's foreign policy of being dictated by New Zealand.[12] He also accused Tuilaepa of being "un-Pacific".[12] Tuilaepa fired back, questioning whether Bainimarama was sober when he made these claims and reiterating that Bainimarama shows little respect for Pacific leaders.[12]

Regional Polynesian integration[]

In late 2011, Tuilaepa initiated a meeting of Polynesian leaders which led, in November, to the formal launching of the Polynesian Leaders Group, a regional grouping intended to co-operate on a variety of issues including culture and language, education, responses to climate change, and trade and investment. The Group was in part a response to the Melanesian Spearhead Group.[13][14][15]

Christianity[]

In June 2017, the Samoan Parliament passed a bill to increase support for Christianity in the country's constitution, including a reference to the Trinity. Article 1 of the Samoan Constitution states that “Samoa is a Christian nation founded of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”. According to The Diplomat, "What Samoa has done is shift references to Christianity into the body of the constitution, giving the text far more potential to be used in legal processes."[16] The preamble to the constitution already described the country as "an independent State based on Christian principles and Samoan custom and traditions."[16]

Sporting aspirations[]

Tuilaepa was founder of Apia West Rugby, and is currently chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union.[17] Tuilaepa competed for his country at the 2007 South Pacific Games in the sport of target archery.[18] In participating in the Games, Tuilaepa became the first elected leader to represent his country at a multi-sport event. Having taken up the sport only five months prior to the Games, Tuilaepa was ranked second in Samoa in the combined bow discipline. Tuilaepa's son was also a reserve team member.[18] On day 10 of the Games, Tuilaepa won a silver medal in the mixed recurve team play event.[19]

Matai titles[]

Tuilaepa has the following Fa'amatai titles.[citation needed]

  • Tuilaepa
  • Lupesoliai
  • Neioti
  • Aiono
  • Fatialofa
  • Lolofie
  • Galumalemana (Vaitele)
  • Aueluā

Criticism[]

Traffic lane switch[]

Tuilaepa's government passed highly controversial legislation in 2009 to switch Samoan road use from right to left-hand traffic.[20][21] The controversy resulted in a peaceful demonstration which drew more than 15,000 people the largest protest demonstration in Samoan history,[20] and to the founding of the People's Party, a political party established to protest against changing sides.[21][22]

International Date Line shift[]

In 2011, Tuilaepa's government introduced a bill to shift Samoa west of the International Date Line, to facilitate economic relations with Australia, New Zealand and Asia (by ensuring that Samoa would no longer be one calendar day away from them). According to Samoa Observer editor Keni Lesa, many Samoans viewed the bill as "another crazy idea from our crazy prime minister". Opposition politicians also criticised it, arguing that it would not increase exports, and that it would in fact deprive Samoa of "its unique tourism selling point as the last place on earth to see the sun", just east of the Date Line. Tuilaepa responded by calling opposition MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi (of the Tautua Samoa Party) "very stupid", adding that "only an idiot" would fail to see the merits of the bill.[23] However, the bill had the support of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and the vast majority of the private and finance sector. The major benefit being that, given that most trade was conducted with New Zealand and Australia, and a growing trade sector with South East and East Asia, that being on the same day as these major trading partners would lead to improvements in productivity, as more trade could be facilitated during a shared five-day week, as opposed to the previous situation of only sharing four week days to conduct business.

Measles outbreak[]

Main article: 2019 Samoa measles outbreak

A measles outbreak began in September 2019.[24] As of 26 December, there were 5,612 confirmed cases of measles and 81 deaths, out of a Samoan population of 200,874.[25][26] Over two percent of the population has been infected.[25]

The outbreak has been attributed to a sharp drop in measles vaccination from the previous year. In 2013, 90% of babies in Samoa received the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination at one year of age.[27] On 6 July 2018 on the east coast of Savai'i, two 12-month-old children died after receiving MMR vaccinations.[28] The cause of death was incorrect preparation of the vaccine by two nurses who mixed vaccine powder with expired anaesthetic instead of the appropriate diluent.[29] These two deaths were picked up by anti-vaccine groups and used to incite fear towards vaccination on social media.[30] The government stopped its vaccination programme for 10 months, despite advice from the WHO.[31] The incident caused many Samoan residents to lose trust in the healthcare system.[32]

Nevertheless, as of 29 December a public inquiry into the government's role in suspending vaccinations had not been announced. Deputy director of health Gaualofa Matalavea Saaga stated, "Having our case blasted out to the world is the last thing we want."[28] Samoa's political opposition called for the health minister to be removed from his position.[28]

2021 Samoan general election[]

Main article: 2021 Samoan general election

During the 2021 general election held on 9 April 2021, Tuilaʻepa was re-elected to his parliamentary constituency of Lepa.[33] Preliminary results from the general election indicated that the HRPP had secured 24 seats, FAST 23 and Tautua Samoa and an Independent both winning one seat. An accounting error was detected in the Vaimauga No. 2 constituency, which had incorrectly displayed the Tautua Samoa candidate leading ahead of the HRPP candidate. This subsequently showed the results for the HRPP and FAST tied with 25 seats each, and first term Independent MP Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio holding the balance of power.[34]

After the election, the HRPP and FAST entered into talks with Tuala in an attempt to win him over in order to form a new government. Before Tuala had made a decision, the Samoan Electoral Commission announced that the 10% female quota in parliament had not been fulfilled. An extra seat was added in parliament going to the HRPP. Tuala agreed to enter into a coalition with FAST, resulting in a hung parliament in which both parties had 26 seats each.[35]

On the evening of 4 May 2021, O le Ao o le Malo (Head of State) Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II announced that a second election would be held in order to resolve the deadlock. This occurred before any of the electoral petitions were resolved. The HRPP endorsed the decision, whilst it was opposed by FAST.[36] Tuilaepa reportedly advised Sualauvi II to issue the proclamation. The HRPP then began to campaign for the second election, despite the legality of it being in question.[37]

On 17 May, the Supreme Court of Samoa ruled that the addition of the new seat was unconstitutional, giving FAST a parliamentary majority.[38][39][40] They subsequently overturned the voiding of the 9 April election results and declared that the call for a new election had no legal authority, and ordered parliament to convene within 45 days of the original polling. Thus preventing Tuilaepa and the HRPP from being re-elected.[41] The O le Ao o le Malo then issued a statement, proclaiming that parliament convene on 24 May. This was retracted shortly after, triggering a constitutional crisis. The O le Ao o le Malo did not elaborate on why the decision was made.[42]

2021 Samoan constitutional crisis[]

Main article: 2021 Samoan constitutional crisis

Tuila'epa denounced the court decision to convene parliament as ‘illegal’, and that the Supreme Court justices should be charged for breaching the state of emergency regulations. Tuila'epa also announced that he and the HRPP caucus would refuse to be sworn in when parliament convened.[43] On the evening of 23 May, a day before the scheduled convention of parliament, Parliament speaker Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi purported to cancel the swearing-in ceremony in defiance of the Supreme Court’s ruling.[44] The following morning, the FAST caucus and supporters arrived at parliament only to find it locked and surrounded by police. When the O le Ao o le Malo did not show up, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and the FAST caucus were sworn in outside parliament under a tent.[45] Tuila'epa denounced the ceremony and accused Fiamē and the FAST party of treason.[46]

On 29 May, Tuila'epa was cited for contempt of court for not obeying the court’s orders and using offensive language towards the Supreme Court justices.[47]

On 3 June, Tuila'epa entered into negotiations with Fiamē to discuss a political transition.[48] After only two sessions the talks reached an impasse, with Tuila'epa refusing to either leave the prime ministership or convene parliament unless all petitions were resolved.[49]

Due to various electoral court petitions, the HRPP’s seat count in parliament fell from 25 to 17 whilst FAST maintained its 26 seat majority.[50]

On 23 July 2021, the Court of Appeal ruled that the 24 May swearing in of the FAST party was legal and that they had been the government since then. The court also declared that Tuila'epa and the HRPP ministers had been illegally occupying the government offices since that date.[51] Following the court decision, Tuila'epa accused the judiciary of "treason" and stated that the decision was "bizarre". He also claimed that "leaders are chosen by god".[52] The following day he began to pack up his office.[53] On 25 July, the head of state recognised the new FAST government.[54] Tuila'epa conceded defeat on 26 July, nearly three months after the election.[55]

Leader of the Opposition (2021–present)[]

On 27 July 2021, Tuila'epa assumed the role of opposition leader.[56]

Shortly after, he began to call for the resignation of all the Supreme Court justices.[57] Tuila'epa also continued to question the judgement of the court of appeals on their recognition of FAST as the new government.[58]

Convoy protest[]

On 30 July, Tuila'epa and supporters of the HRPP led a convoy protest against the judiciary.[59] Once the convoy arrived in Savaiʻi, the HRPP set out laid wreaths at the graves of former HRPP prime ministers Tofilau Eti Alesana and Vaʻai Kolone. The convoy were able to lay wreaths at Tofilau’s grave, but were refused to do so at Kolone’s by his son Va'ai Papu Va'ai. The HRPP had used Va‘ai Kolone’s image in advertisement to promote the party’s demonstration in Savaiʻi, something that Va'ai Papu expressed discontent about. Va'ai Papu had been critical of the HRPP’s actions during the 2021 constitutional crisis, and stated that the party should be ‘ashamed’ and accused them of using his father’s image ‘in vain’. He also suggested that the party change it’s name from the ‘Human Rights Protection Party’ to the ‘Malielegaoi Human Rights Demolition Party’.[60] The convoy was forced to turn around, when the villages of Salelologa and Sasina on Savai‘i established roadblocks and refused the HRPP passage. Tuila'epa deemed the roadblocks ‘unlawful’, but agreed to turn back for ‘the sake of peace’.[61] Despite the rally not folding out as he intended, Tuila'epa declared the convoy protest to be a ‘victory’.[62] He then accused FAST Chairman and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Scientific Research, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao, of being the ‘mastermind’ behind the road blocks. Laauli denied being involved.[63] Tuila'epa issued an informal apology to the judiciary on 8 September after weeks of criticising and protesting against them. He also expressed that it is the ‘nature of the role of the opposition to question all three arms of government’.[64][65]

Threat of lawsuit against the ministry of finance[]

On 21 August 2021, the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo expressed that she ‘did not have the complete confidence’ in the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance, Oscar Malielegaoi son of Tuila'epa. In response, Tuila'epa stated that whilst they can sack the C.E.O for a lack of cooperation with the minister, he would file a lawsuit against the ministry should they not have ‘strong reasons’ for carrying out this decision.[66] Ale Molioo later requested that Oscar Malielegaoi resign, which he then did on 28 August.[67]

Claims of feminist plot[]

On 24 August 2021 Tuila'epa claimed that he had been unseated by a feminist plot led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who allegedly "wanted Samoa to have a female Prime Minister".[68] This was later rejected by prime minister Ardern.[69]

Swearing in of the HRPP caucus[]

On 1 September 2021, prime minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa announced that the 17th Samoan parliament would convene on 14 September.[70] Shortly before the prime minister’s announcement, Tuila'epa wrote to the speaker of the legislative assembly Papali’i Li’o Taeu Masipau, asserting that himself and the HRPP caucus intend to be sworn by the head of state once parliament convenes.[71] Papali’i then replied by saying that the HRPP caucus would be sworn in by himself in accordance with the constitution.[72] Regardless of whether they would be sworn in or not, Tuila'epa announced that the HRPP caucus would attend the first convention of the 17th parliament.[73]

Assassination attempts[]

Tuilaepa has been the target of three plots to kill him; one of those being almost successful when in 1999, Eletise Leafa Vitale, tried to kill him but instead one of Tuilaepa's Cabinet Ministers was murdered. In December 2010, another plot was uncovered by Samoan police and, in August 2019, authorities foiled a detailed plan to assassinate him.[74][75][76]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Disputed: 24 May 2021 – 23 July 2021

References[]

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Political offices
Preceded by
Tofilau Eti Alesana 		Prime Minister of Samoa
1998–2021 		Succeeded by
Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa
Preceded by
Tofilau Eti Alesana 		Minister of Foreign Affairs
1998–2021 		Succeeded by
Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa
Preceded by
Palusalue Faʻapo II 		Leader of the Opposition
2021–present 		Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by
Tofilau Eti Alesana 		Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party
1998–present 		Incumbent
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