16 Apr 2004

Samoa opposition leader cautions against rushing into privatisation

4:40 pm on 16 April 2004

Samoa's Opposition has cautioned against the government rushing into the privatisation of state owned enterprises.

Earlier this week, the opposition leader Le Mamea Ropati said while his party supports privatisation, it wants consideration of the negative consequences.

The comments follow publicity surrounding SamoaTel amid allegations of questionable dealings by top managers and apparent conflicts of interest.

Corporatised in 1999, the postal and telephone services provider, could be sold off in total or in part under the government's privatisation policy.

The deputy Opposition leader, Asiata Saleimoa, says they are cautious over privatisation because more often than not it is overeas interests which are taking over

"We're really very wary of open policies these days - of opening our trade and what have you, and as far as we are concerned we are opening ourselves to all sorts of exploitation."

deputy Opposition leader, Asiata Saleimoa