P.M rejects claim

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 17 April 2016, 12:00AM

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has downplayed claims that Associate Ministers are on a shopping spree for new government vehicles.

The concerns were raised by Tautua M.P, Olo Fiti Va’ai last week. 

Olo said such spending was a waste of tax payers money and Associate Ministers do not need new vehicles.  Most of the vehicles that were used by the former Associate Ministers are new vehicles and the new associate ministers should be able to use them.  

“What is wrong with that?" Olo said. “The way I see it is they are just on a shopping spree for new vehicles and everyone is rushing in to grab a new vehicle. Most of the vehicles used by former Associate Ministers are new vehicles and the new associate Ministers should be able to use them.”

A reliable source said one of the Associate Ministers refused to use an old vehicle, insisting to get a new one. 

However, Tuilaepa defended his Associate Ministers saying Cabinet will not allow it.  “There are no new cars,” he said.. 

“Cabinet has made its decision that whatever cars are there at the moment they (Associate Ministers) will continue their work with it. There might be cars that are only six months old that were already there...Cabinet will not allow that.”  

Tuilaepa added the claims from Olo were stupid, accusing the M.P of jumping to conclusions. 

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 17 April 2016, 12:00AM
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