Leaked internal letter on MOH vehicles meant to embarrass

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 14 April 2026 – An internal letter from the CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Saoleitiiti Maeva Betham-Vaai to the Director General of Health, June Scanlan Lui has prompted an internal investigation into how the document was leaked and appeared on the political opposition HRPP pages and the media.

The letter dated 31 March 2026, clarifies the Government policies and process regarding a request for a vehicle and how many vehicles are allocated to Cabinet Ministers and CEOs.

The letter indicated that both the Minister of Health, Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo and the Director are using vehicles that have not been authorised to them and Saoleititit urged them to provide a PK (Pepa mo le Kapeneta) for Cabinet’s approval.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt in response to media questions said that the letter was an internal administrative matter, but it got leaked and went viral with the intention to embarrass.

According to the official explanation from MOH, the letter from MOF was received, opened and stamped then someone within MOH leaked it causing the furore.

The Prime Minister said that it is the duty of the Ministry of Finance under their policies to look after Government assets including vehicles, and it is a matter that should be sorted out between the ministries involved.

He confirmed that the vehicles in question did not come under the Government budget but rather under a Health project funded by an international organisation.

But he questioned why MOF is pinpointing the Ministry of Health and should be consistent in their monitoring and should also write to other ministries whose CEOs are using at least 3 vehicles.

According to the letter, a request by way of a PK for Cabinet’s approval is all that is needed for the vehicles to be approved for the use of the Minister and CEO of the Ministry of Health.