HRPP’s controlling environment developing only followers and not leaders

Staff Writers

APIA, SAMOA – 04 NOVEMBER 2022: There exists a controlling environment within the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) where independent views are suppressed and where only followers, rather than leaders are developed.

This has been confirmed in among the six points given by a former HRPP Cabinet Minister, Tuuu Anasii Leota in his resignation letter to the Party Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, yesterday.

Tu’u’u also states that there is a toxic environment in HRPP out of Tuilaepa’s refusal to acknowledge his convictions of contempt of court and contempt of parliament which is a clear reflection of Tuilaepa’s arrogance and refusal to acknowledge that the Party needs a breath of fresh air through new leadership.

“This is the toxic environment in the HRPP that needs to be overhauled otherwise it will not move forward. It is also signal that you do not trust the leadership, expertise and knowledge of other members of the Party as well as failure to put in place a leadership succession plan for the good of the party in the past couple of years. I can no longer support HRPP under this type of leadership and environment.”

Tu’u’u has resigned as a loyal and committed supporter of HRPP of more than 20 years as MP for Siumu.

He stood for HRPP because he believed in the principles and values the HRPP stood for, and that is the protection of every individual’s rights.

“Sadly, this is no longer the case,” he wrote. The reasons for his resignation are published below verbatim.

“The shocking defeat in the April 2021 general elections should have been the trigger for the Party and leadership to revisit our purpose and what we stand for, and initiate change where desperately needed. I believe the Party has clearly departed from what it set out to do. The people of Samoa who voted us in n longer have confidence in the Party and its Members as champions of human rights protection.

“HRPP remains dear to my heart, given the hard work of the Members and supporters. However, over the years, I believe the Party has abandoned its core values and beliefs.

1. The Party no longer stands for the protection of the rights of the people of Samoa, but only a few privileged and selected ones.

2. The post-2021 general election loss and the long-drawn out refusal of the Party under your leadership to concede defeat was embarrassing and poor example for the Party and supporters and most especially the people of Samoa.

3. Party leadership has become increasingly an authoritarian ‘one man’ party, which only listens to one or two and fails to be consultative and democratic in seeking views listening to its members. This approach has created a controlling environment where independent views are suppressed and where only followers, rather than leaders are developed. You know I have challenged these issues a number of times in Caucus meetings and discussions.

4. You have blatantly disregarded the Court decision proving your guilt of contempt of court and contempt of parliament. You have been suspended twice from Parliament yet there is no indication at all that you would do the right thing and step down as Leader so that you lead by example and the Party can move on. This is a clear reflection of you arrogance and refusal to acknowledge that the Party needs a breath of fresh air through new leadership. This is the toxic environment in the HRPP that needs to be overhauled otherwise it will not move forward. It is also signal that you do not trust the leadership, expertise and knowledge of other members of the Party as well as failure to put in place a leadership succession plan for the good of the party in the past couple of years. I can no longer support HRPP under this type of leadership and environment.

5. Fundamental principles of good governance and ethical behaviour for leading the Party do not exist anymore. Bullying tactics, personal attacks, character assassinations and disrespectful language have become the norm for you. The public is tired of this. They need to hear a new tune, new lyrics that embrace a positive change and a hope for the future through empowerment of the people. A culture that does not change will die. O le fuata ma lona lou.

6. There is corruption in the midst of the party that needs to be addressed so the integrity of the Party can be restored and that HRPP can earn back the trust of the majority of the people we have lost.

“In light of the above, I no longer believe in the HRPP and its leadership and the direction it is going. I have consulted my constituency and I have received their full support and blessings for myself as their Member of Parliament to become an independent member. This will enable me to continue to vote their opinions and vote according to what is in the best interests not only of my district which elected me into Parliament, but also for the betterment of Samoa as a whole without any fear or pressures of party affiliations.”