“No Future for HRPP with Tuilaepa still at the Helm” says Ale Vena Ale

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 4 NOVEMBER 2022: “HRPP is going down and there is no future for HRPP with Tuilaepa still in the helm of the party,” says the Faleata No.4. MP, Ale Vena Ale who resigned from the party yesterday to be an Independent.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is HRPP’s longest serving Prime Minister with 22 years leading the country when he unexpectedly lost power to the newly formed FAST Party in the April 2021 general elections and triggered a four months long political division as he refused to concede defeat or stepping down as his party’s leader.

Ale who has been a loyal supporter of HRPP for the last 40 years resigned from the party this week with another veteran HRPP and former Cabinet Minister, Tu’u’u Leota Anasi’i Leota.

“HRPP is going down and there is no future for HRPP with Tuilaepa still in the helm of the party,” said Ale.

He further stated that Tuilaepa is the “destructive factor within HRPP.”

In his resignation letter, Ale said he doesn’t want to be part of a party that continues to be led by someone who has been convicted of contempt of court and contempt of parliament.

HRPP Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi with mask and latex gloves as he leaves Parliament (during Covid).

Much of Ale’s frustration is how Tuilaepa delayed and dragged the discussion of the party’s leadership issue since the party’s fall after last years’ general election.

Ale said every time the issue comes up for discussion, Tuilaepa would change the agenda and talk about another issue but not leadership.

“He doesn’t think there is anyone of us who is capable of leading the party,” said Ale.

Ale said 40 years ago when HRPP started out under the leadership of the late Prime Ministers, Vaai Kolone Vaai and Tofilau Eti Alesana, the foundation was solid and strong, until the leadership was passed down to Tuilaepa.

“His problem is he does not listen to advice and tends to do what he wants; and look at where it’s taken him now?” said Ale.

One of the instances Ale highlighted where Tuilaepa and the HRPP Executive ignored any advice or recommendation prior to the general election was when 6 HRPP candidates competed against one from FAST who scooped the election.

“He was high minded and thought HRPP would return victorious because the election was already predetermined,” said Ale.

“Tuilaepa is done, finished,” Ale told the media yesterday.

“In my honest opinion, he should have resigned.”

Ale is also aware that their resignation will probably end up in Court.

The Tuilaepa led HRPP government, rushed through a last minute amendment to the Electoral Act in March 2021, a few weeks before the general elections to stop MPs from resigning and becoming Independents in the House.

Tuilaepa moved to close the opening after former HRPP MP La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao and Tuilaepa’s then Deputy; Fiame Naomi Mataafa resigned and still remained as Independents.

See Ale’s resignation letter below.