Former Member of Parliament, Afioga Fa’aso’otauloa Pati Taulapapa, has shared a heartfelt message calling for unity in Samoa.
“It breaks my heart to see our nation divide due to political crisis. Samoa has always been an admirable country because of its unique culture in addressing issues affecting its people. But as I see it today, I guess we are already a joke to our neighboring countries. Our people are going against each other, seeking power—it’s like we are going back to colonial times and Samoa’s civil wars,” he told Samoa Newshub.
“This is my cry to our people—please, whoever is elected to lead our government, give them our full support and respect. They are our own blood. All I want is peace, for the sake of our children, who deserve a life full of happiness.”
Fa’aso’otauloa entered Parliament in 1991 as the representative of Gaga’emauga No. 2 under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). He once served as Minister of Lands and later returned to Parliament in 2016, after the incumbent switched seats. He was appointed Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries before retiring from politics in 2021.
He is from Saleaula, Savai’i, and attended Vaipouli College. Reflecting on his years of service, Fa’aso’otauloa said he dedicated his life to building his family and serving his village and church before representing his constituency and the nation in government.
The former MP, now 90, lost his wife in 2014 and is a father of ten. He urges the younger generation to take the lead in keeping peace and harmony in Samoa.
