WikiLeaks: Samoan Govt: NZ and AUS assess Cabinet 18/05/05

May 18, 2005 Samoan Government: New Zealand and Australia assess cabinet

date:2006-05-18T05:05:00 source:Embassy Wellington origin:06WELLINGTON384 destination:VZCZCXYZ0005 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHWL #0384/01 1380505 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 180505Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2795 INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 4412 RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA 0460 RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI classification:CONFIDENTIAL reference:06APIA40|06WELLINGTON253 ?C O N F I D E N T I A L WELLINGTON 000384

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/FO AND EAP/ANP PACOM FOR JO1E/J2/J233/J5/SJFHQ

E.O. 12... ?C O N F I D E N T I A L WELLINGTON 000384

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/FO AND EAP/ANP PACOM FOR JO1E/J2/J233/J5/SJFHQ

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/17/2016 TAGS: PREL, PGOV, NZ, WS SUBJECT: SAMOAN GOVERNMENT: NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA ASSESS CABINET

REF: A. APIA 40 B. WELLINGTON 253

Classified by Charge d'Affaires David R. Burnett. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d).

1. (C) Summary: Officials for New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australia High Commission in Wellington continue to follow closely the implications of Samoa's March 31 general election. Both recognize the potential for improved governance following the announcement of Cabinet assignments on April 21, but are concerned about the law and order portfolios. End Summary.

2. (U) Samoa's Electoral Commissioner on April 13 announced official polling results from Samoa's March 31 general election. The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) retained control of government by gaining 35 of the 49 seats. The Samoan Democratic United Party (SDUP) holds ten seats, with the remaining four seats going to independents. On April 21 the GOS announced Cabinet assignments (see ref A).

3. (C) Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi appointed five new ministers, former Speaker Toleafoa Apulu Faafisi, Niko Lee Hang, new female MP Gatoloaifaana Amataga Alesana Gidlow, Unasa Mesi Galo and Taua Tavaga Kitiona Seuala. Two former ministers, Palusalue Faapo II (Communications and Information Technology) and Hans Joachim Keil (Commerce, Industry and Labor), were not re-appointed to Cabinet. MFAT says that in Keil's case, there had been speculation that his reduced electoral support in the two-seat Individual Voters constituency would work against his inclusion in Cabinet. MFAT also believes Kiel was affected negatively by press on Samoa's WTO accession proceedings, published proximate to the election.

4. (C) The former ministers of justice and police were not reelected, and both MFAT and the High Commission expressed particular concern about the law and justice sector, especially basic law enforcement capabilities and the ability to prosecute criminal cases and bring them to trial. Controversial former Speaker Toleafoa Apulu Faafisi (Toleafoa) is now Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services. According to the Australians, key Apia-based sources describe Toleafoa's appointment as disappointing. During the last term of government, Toleafoa was regularly accused of favoring the Government during his time as Speaker, resulting in a complaint by SDUP Deputy Leader Asiata Saleimoa Vaai to the International Parliamentary Union. A longtime HRPP stalwart, Toleafoa was more recently accused of using heavy-handed tactics at the village level during the election, according to MFAT. Neither MFAT nor Australia expect Toleafoa to perform strongly and it is likely the Prime Minister will directly oversee key aspects of the portfolio. The absence of a capable minister in the portfolio may impede the reform process.

5. (C) Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff lost the prestigious Cabinet post of Finance Minister to Niko Lee Hang, who topped the poll in the 2006 election in the Individual Voters candidacy. While somewhat surprising that Lee Hang was elevated to this leading position, his assignment reflects the confidence that PM Tuilaepa places on his accounting and business qualifications, according to MFAT. Lee Hang is a chartered accountant. The Deputy Prime Minister picked up the Trade and Tourism portfolio.

6. (C) After holding the education, sports and culture portfolio for fifteen years, Fiame Naomi Mataafa was appointed as Minister for Women, Community and Social Development. The prior minister retired from Parliament. Fiame is well-regarded locally and has considerable influence, but MFAT says the women's affairs portfolio is significantly under-funded and effective progress will be challenging. Fiame is also responsible for the Public Service Commission and the Ombudsman's Office. The Australian High Commission sees Fiame's appointment as a positive outcome for public sector reform and good governance objectives.

7. (C) The only other woman Cabinet minister, new MP Gatoloaifaana Amataga Alesana Gidlow (Gatoloai), was appointed Minister of Health. Replacing the controversial former Health Minister and current Party Whip Mulitalo Sealiimalietoa Siafausa Vui, Gatoloai is the daughter of former Prime Minister Tofilau Eti. The Australians described the reassignment of Mulitalo as another positive move for

governance. Mulitalo remains the subject of persist rumors that he played a leading role in ongoing corruption scandals in the Health Ministry. According to the Australian High Commission, Mulitalo's appointment as Minister for Communication and Information Technology is drawing valid criticism that HRPP's abuse of the government-owned media is likely to continue.

8. (SBU) Faumuina Tiatia Ligua was moved from the esteemed public works portfolio to the natural resources and environment portfolio. In his previous role as Public Works Minister, he ironically was often in confrontation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

9. (C) Comment: Samoa is as the Kiwis are fond of saying, "a bright spot in the Pacific." But as their and the Australians' analyses show, the country will have its share of challenges in the months ahead. End Comment. Burnett

ENDS

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