THE reconciliation

Politics

Samoan politics: God has a sense of humour

By Monica Miller

THE reconciliation

between Samoa’s most famous political rivals, former Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana and opposition leader Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese will no doubt be recorded in the annals of the country’s history books.

Described by American Samoa’s

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin

as a “meeting between warriors” the recon ciliation took place in early November when Tofilau had just returned home from

New Zealand with word from his doctors that he had only days to live. The cancer in his body had spread uncontrollably and recovery was out of the question. The Prime Minister had come home to wait for his Master’s call.

When Tupua got word of Tofilau’s near death condition he was, according to a con fidante, “inspired by the Spirit” to seek a reconciliation with his arch political rival of more than 20 years. At that meeting the two pledged to pardon and forgive the bad things they did and said to each other.

Tofilau then defied his doctor’s by mak ing a “miraculous” recovery, and three

weeks later was sitting in Parliament to announce that he was stepping down as Prime Minister, due to health reasons.

The Opposition leader was given the chance to respond to the Prime Minister’s resignation speech and in typical Tupua satire, the reconciliation became the sub ject of a joke.

In his 10 minute speech to Parliament Tupua said he was one of the first to visit Tofilau when the prime minister had just returned from New Zealand.

Tupua said he offered a prayer to finish his visit with Tofilau then they fought God’s and each other’s forgiveness for their wrongs.

“I am most happy to see that Tofilau has greatly recovered - and it reminds me of the story of two Scots men who disagreed on everything,” Tupua said.

“Both men had refused to agree on any thing, and the feud continued until one of them got critically ill. They met and said prayers for forgiveness, vowing that since one of them was critically ill, everything

was forgiven.

“But just as the healthy man was leav ing, his friend stopped him and said: “I just want you to understand that as long as I am sick, we will forgive each other. But if I ever recover, forgiveness is off and our feud continues,” Tupua remarked, prompt ing laughter from his colleagues.

“Now that Tofilau has recovered, God must be laughing at what’s happening today, with Tofilau resigning and a new prime minister being appointed to replace him,” said Tupua.

Tofilau had earlier attempted to deliver his resignation speech in a wavering and unsteady voice. But after four minutes, it was obvious that his strength had dimin ished - he had given the wrong salutation of Tuiatua while addressing Tuiaana. His successor Tuilaepa Sailele continued and finished the almost 30-minute presenta tion. Tupua then requested the Speaker for an exemption of the Standing Orders for a chance for the Opposition Party to respond to the PM’s resignation.

Tupua opened by quoting Brutus in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in reverse: “We are here to praise Tofilau but not to bury him”, he declared.

He then said of his number on political foe, “There is so much respect afforded him, and I have nothing to say but praises despite our sometimes bitter political differences.” ■

Samoan Opposition leader Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese