Change featured on Tuala Ponifasio’s decision to join the FAST Party

Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio joins FAST Leader, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Deputy Leader, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao in a prayer service before a media conference last night.

APIA, SAMOA – 21 APRIL 2021: When Independent Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio asked the Prime Minister if he intended to step down, “I was seeking indications of how I would be effective in instituting change in my decision of party to work with.”

Tuala officially joined the FAST Party last night in a packed joint press conference with FAST Leader Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and Deputy Leader La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi. He announced his decision earlier in the day after meeting his constituency, Gaga’emauga 1 in the morning.

Also present to witness Tuala joining the party, were the 23 elected members of the party with over a 100 supporters who listened to the proceedings on the public address system.

Tuala told the media and this audience that his constituency had unanimously embraced FAST as the party he must support and “they were on their feet and shouting in celebration.”

“My constituents believe that the decision made today, was made together with the spirit of the Lord,” (audience clapping).

Then he committed himself to the party.

“I have come so we can work together. I will forgo my Independent status, (and if I’m accepted), I will become a member of FAST,” (audience clapping).

Negotiations with the Party Leaders
In five days before making his decision, Tuala had met with caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi twice and with the FAST Leader in as many times since the official results of the general elections were announced that reaffirmed his pivotal role in choosing Samoa’s new Government.

While he was looking for indications of change in the HRPP’s leadership and future direction, he had previously embraced FAST’s drive for change.

Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.

“There was widespread national sentiment for a change of government and FAST was already spearheading the push for change in their election campaign.”

Then there were the 3 controversial Bills that the Law Society and FAST together with Fiamē, were trying to stop their passage into law.

When Tuala met with Tuilaepa, he asked about the possibility of these new laws being reviewed and restoring the independence of the Judiciary. He also felt strongly about issues such as the taxation of the church ministers and issues arising with the change of electoral boundaries and the electoral laws and many other laws that need to be reviewed.

“So I was not satisfied with Tuilaepa’s response to let the laws run and changes and adjustments can be made along the way.”

As a lawyer, Tuala says there are several legislations that need to be reviewed and shares the same concerns with the FAST Party about the threat to the rule of law.

Looking for a platform he can effectively contribute to change, Tuala saw little of that in Tuilaepa’s position to continue as Prime Minister.

Samoa’s Policy on China
On foreign policy, Tuala specifically wanted to know from Tuilaepa Samoa’s policy on relations with China.

“We see a lot of changes in our country with our brothers from China,” said Tuala.
“I’m not against it but I just want to understand where we are (as a country) in our policy relations with China. I want to understand, so I feel many of our people also want to understand.”

In the end, Tuala’s decision was based on issues that he thought would effect positive change for the country that he wanted to be part of.

“I know where Fiamē and La’auli’s thoughts are on where the country should be heading,” he said.

Asked about reports of money and other offers by the parties, Tuala said these were never part of his decision.

“Nothing like that happened.”

Tuala’s constituency of Gaga’emauga No 1 will be making a formal presentation tomorrow to the FAST Party, to reaffirm the constituency’s support of Tuala’s decision.

Thumbs up together and wearing one colour.