We have witnessed the political turmoil in Samoa. And through it all, we have seen Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa stand tall, leading with grace and integrity. When faced with resistance, she chose humility over aggression, showing the true spirit of tamāli‘i… nobility of heart.
Fiame refused to meet fury with fury or fire with fire. She leads with quiet dignity, setting an example for the younger generations of Samoa and the diaspora. While others have scrambled and fought for power, Fiame has stayed steadfast, her actions echoing the teachings of Christ—compassion, grace, and love for all, even her adversaries.
We witnessed Tuila‘epa Sa‘ilele Malielegaoi and his party refusing to recognise Fiame’s rightful leadership after the 2021 election, clinging to power in defiance of the democratic process. It was only when the courts ruled in FAST’s favour that the power transition was finally acknowledged.
Then came La‘aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata‘ivao Schmidt, emboldened by his FAST following, tearing down the very fabric of Samoa’s sacred institutions. The foundations that have long protected our people. Yet, like those who crucified Christ, they do not see what they are doing. Even Christ, in the end, pleaded for them: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
When La‘auli’s power was threatened, he defied the guidance of his Prime Minister and acted as though he alone ruled the nation. When challenged, and when his own integrity was questioned due to criminal charges, he lashed out with a smear campaign against Fiame, a campaign we have all witnessed unfold.
As the tide turned against Fiame, those who once sang her praises turned against her like a tsunami, a sudden surge of betrayal aimed at erasing her grace and integrity. But any person with a working mind can see the contrast between good and evil on full display.
Fiame did not fight back. Even in surrender, she bowed out with dignity, her Cabinet alongside her, humbly accepting the decision with grace. This is what true leadership looks like.
In contrast, we saw men invoking the name of God and Christ to push their own self-serving agendas, their hearts far from righteousness. Their concern was not for Samoa, but for their own power. If La‘auli truly cared for Samoa, he would have stepped down from his ministerial role with the same dignity as Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, who resigned as Minister of Commerce and Industry after a traffic violation, because some men care more about goodness than power. These are men who live the teachings of Christ not through scripture alone, but through actions that mirror God’s goodness.
In her defeat, Fiame may have lost the struggle for power, but she won the battle for integrity. She did not cling to power. She did not retaliate. She absorbed every insult and blow hurled at her, even from her own people, whom she loves deeply.
One can almost hear her heart say: “I serve all of Samoa – my beloved Samoa – including those who conspire against me and seek to tarnish my name.”
It is easy to become trapped in our own biases, especially when something opposes our perspective or threatens our power. We instinctively try to diminish any chance of such opposition gaining traction. This instinct appeals to the darker side of human nature.
According to clinical psychologists who have studied evil, and echoing the ancient philosopher Xunzi’s view, our natural default tends towards selfishness and wrongdoing. Xunzi argued that human nature leans toward evil, and it is only through education, discipline, and moral cultivation that we can counteract this tendency.
What we are witnessing in Samoa today seems like a playground for the devil. Laughing as our unchecked human instincts to do wrong dictate our thoughts and actions. It is easier to tear down than to build up, to destroy than to create. This is the darker side of human nature playing out before our eyes.
There will come a time for each of us when we stand alone before the mirror, and we will have to ask ourselves: “What have I done? What have we done? How have we used the sacred name of the Lord in vain to disgrace good people?” That day will come when we will answer for our false accusations, our evil thoughts, and our selfish agendas.
In our view, there is no better leader for Samoa than Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa.
Some politicians have been quick to quote scripture, saying, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” They forget this scripture comes from a story where a woman was dragged before Christ by Pharisees seeking to trap Him. Christ, knowing their hearts, said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” He knelt and wrote in the sand. When He looked up, the accusers were gone.
Christ turned to the woman and said, “Where are your accusers? Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Every cruel word directed at Afioga Fiame has been met with grace. Every attempt to discredit her has been endured. Yet the majority of men took turns mocking her, belittling her, while she walked forward with her head held high.
Shame on you.
How far you have fallen, clinging to power in this world, misusing the Lord’s name.
Shame on you for turning away from all that is good, for ignoring the whispers of the Holy Spirit that speak only truth and goodness.
Shame on you, for in your desperate grasp for power, you have forsaken the very soul of Samoa.
