Charged Sydney-based Samoan radio host publicly apologises to church

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA 13 JULY 2022: The Sydney based Samoa radio host who has been charged with one count of defamation, made a public apology to the Methodist church for what he believes has tarnished the name of the church and its conference.

Tiumalumatua Maifea Fetu said the news about him being charged has somewhat tarnished the church’s annual conference which is a significant event as it has been three years since it was halted due to the pandemic.

“Whatever has been said and publicised about the charge against me, which I believe has damaged the purpose of the conference, I apologise to you the President of the church and the whole church for what has happened,” he said.

Tiumalumatua came to Samoa as a delegate representing his church in Australia in the Methodist’s annual conference.

He added that his current trip was long planned as his son is graduating as a Methodist church minister will be honoured during this conference as a certified pastor.

Asked if he expected what was happening, he said yes and he is ready to face the charges by the Faatuatua I Le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party against him.

“I’ve always known, as acknowledged by the party Chairman on EFKS TV that the moment I land in Samoa I will be charged up and now I’m here,” he said.

“I came because I believe it was my calling as a church delegate – Usufono and secondly, because of my son who will be honoured by the church this Sunday as a certified church minister.”

Tiumalumatua added that he has engaged the services of the former Electoral Commissioner, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio as his lawyer for the court case, who will also represent the interests of his radio channel in Samoa.

He planned to return to Australia in August but his passport has been surrendered to police and he will appear in Court on 02 August.

The complaint alleges defamation in the content and his comments made on his radio programs in Australia against the Samoan government and the FAST party.