Former deputy PM left out of cabinet

SAMOA – Samoa’s former deputy prime minister, Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo, has again been left out of Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s new administration following the recent general election.

Fonotoe was not picked in the new cabinet announced last Friday or named in the lineup of associate minister’s announced by Tuila’epa yesterday.

He was also not present at the swearing in ceremony of the new associate ministers.

The former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Faaolatane Tiatia Liuga, was also not picked but he was present.

In his speech Tuil‘epa outlined the importance of cabinet minister’s roles in running the country.

He also emphasised the need of assigning senior HRPP MPs to work with new MPs in five parliamentary committees, ensuring checks and balances are met. Tuila‘epa said his government is mindful that no administration is perfect.

Of the 13 newly elected Associate Ministers, the former opposition MP, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, is one of them.

Lealailepule is the Associate Minister for the Ministry of Communications, and Information technology which includes the public radio 2AP. - RNZI