Opposition Leader Accuses Government Of Anti-Media Tactics
APIA (Pacnews): Samoa's Opposition leader Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi has accused government of intimidating the media by
making available public funds for the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers to sue for defamation, Pacnews reports.
"If you want to protect your good name go and pay your lawyer to do that," Tuiatua said.
He was reviving criticisms of government as his Samoa National Development Party (SNDP) prepares to fight the general
elections scheduled for early next year. Tuiatua said giving ministers the power to use public funds for defamation
cases was unacceptable in enlightened and democratic governments.
"We know power corrupts," he said.
The measure was introduced two years ago by then Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana when he was suing Samoa Observer
newspaper for defamation. Tuiatua said as far as he knows, at least 1.3 million Tala (US$379,111) in taxpayers money
were used to pay Tofilau's legal fees.
His Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), now led by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has maintained the
policy despite criticism by local and overseas media.
The criticism was revived when Prime Minister Tuilaepa recently talked generally of public responsibility and individual
responsibility.
"Where do you draw the line when the legal expenses of a Prime Minister or Minister who sues a journalist or a newspaper
for defamation, is drawn from public funds?" Tuiatua asked.
Previously cabinet ministers attempted to silence the Samoa Observer, the country's main newspaper, by filing legal
action and then withdrawing after the newspaper had built up a huge legal bill, according to newspaper publisher Savea
Sano Malifa. ... PNS
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