Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has downplayed continuing calls for a commission of enquiry into the measles epidemic which saw more than 80 people die, mostly children.
Samoa Observer reports former Head of State Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi had renewed the call last week during a nationally televised media conference.
The Prime Minister made light of the situation by ridiculing a Samoa Observer reporter who was not in attendance.
He accused the reporter of being one of many people encouraging Tuiatua to speak out about a measles enquiry.
Former Head of State Tuiatua said “It is noticed that in matters which are trifling, you Tuilaepa are so ready to call a Commission of Inquiry.”
“Why is there no Commission of Inquiry into the measles epidemic in Samoa where 81 children died and where there is compelling evidence about the lack of preparation? The strong resistance to a Commission of Inquiry implies a fear of discovery that the truth will be exposed.”
In response Tuilaepa said Tuiatua should stop politicizing the measles epidemic.
He said Commissions of Enquiry are expensive.
The PM questioned what the point of a Commission of Inquiry into the measles epidemic would be, as there were two aspects worthy of exploring: how did measles get into the country and why such a high percentage of people died when it did.
“Everyone knew the answer to that and maybe the old man is deaf and I doubt that he watched the TV about the public announcements on the vaccination campaigns,” Tuilaepa said.
