New Members of the Council of Deputies Sworn-in

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 07 January 2025 – Three new Members of the Council of Deputies were sworn in this morning by His Honour the Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese.

They are Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Malietoa Fa’amausili Moli Malietoa and Laulu Tiatia Mapesone.

The new Members were officially announced by the Parliament Speaker Papalii Li’o Taeu Masipau during Parliament final session in December 2024.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said the appointment of the three new members is a calling from God.

“Tatou te talitonu foi, o lo tatou fa’asinomaga e ala i tiute ma faiva ua tofia ai i tatou, e nanea se tatou tautua ona o le topule mai a lo tatou Matai Sili, ma le fesoasoani a lona Agaga Paia,” she said.

“In preparing and drafting Samoa’s Constitution, our forefathers planned and put in place these appointments to assist the role of the Head of State, and we acknowledge the foresight of our forefathers,” the Prime Minister said.

Malietoa Fa’amausili Moli Malietoa, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Laulu Tiatia Mapesone with the Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi 11, the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese & Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa after the swearing-in ceremony.

Tui Atua is a former Prime Minister, a former Member of the Council and also served two five year terms as Head of State.

Malietoa Faamausili Moli Malietoa is the son of Samoa’s founding and longest serving Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili 11 who served from 1962 until his passing in 2007.

Laulu Tiatia Mapesone is a retired businessman and a former public servant.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to acknowledge the long service rendered by Le Mamea Ropati Mualia who was the sole Council member since 2016.

Tui Atua spoke on behalf of Malietoa and Laulu to thank and acknowledge the Government for the trust in them to serve in such prestigious positions and they will do their best to serve Samoa and her people.

For him personally, Tui Atua said it is not a new post for him but rather a continuation of his service.

Under the Constitution, the tenure of the Members of the Council of Deputies is for two years and can be extended.