The opposition leader of Samoa has called for the abolition of undersecretaries because he says they are too much of a burden on taxpayers.
Le Mamea Ropati says the governing Human Rights Protection Party is using the positions as incentives for support, along with cellphones and private cars.
He says there are now more than 13 undersecretary positions which are purely cosmetic and don't do much for the country.
Le Mamea says there are already chief executives of government departments so there is no need for the other positions.
"This is a small country, there's no point in having more undersecretaries than ministers, wasting taxpayers money and people in the villages find it hard to make"
ends meet.
Le Mamea Ropati.
This month's Aana Alofi by-election will see all four candidates supporting the HRPP.
