Former Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has urged the current government to focus on pressing issues like the shortage of medical supplies and power blackouts rather than pursuing the establishment of a Christian state. His plea comes in response to Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s recent proposal to restrict religious practices to those “founded on God,” which aims to limit the presence of non-Christian religions in Samoa.
Malielegaoi highlighted the need for urgent attention to the challenges faced by citizens, emphasizing that the government’s priorities should align with the immediate needs of the people rather than religious restrictions. He pointed out that Schmidt’s call to ban non-Christian faiths and the move to establish an embassy in Jerusalem have not garnered significant backing from local churches.
In a letter addressed to a local newspaper, Malielegaoi remarked, “Israel is not a Christian country,” referencing the historical context of religious tensions tied to the crucifixion of Jesus. He believes that these matters, including the newly instituted Civil Service fast every Wednesday designed for divine protection during cyclone season, are not what should be at the forefront of national concerns.
While the government has taken steps to designate Sundays as days of rest and prohibit construction and high-noise activities, Malielegaoi stressed that resolving the ongoing medical supply shortages and electricity outages should be the government’s top priority. He concluded with a call for action that resonates with many citizens seeking practical solutions over religious declarations.
This highlights a growing conversation in Samoa about balancing faith with the immediate needs of its people, suggesting a desire for governance that prioritizes tangible welfare over theocratic aspirations.
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