22 Dec 2004

Samoa opposition calls for government resignation over probe failure

4:26 pm on 22 December 2004

The deputy leader of the opposition Samoa's Democratic United Party says the government should resign following the collapse of public service investigations into high level corruption.

Asiata Dr Saleimoa Vaai says the public service commission investigations into the CEO of health has left people confused as to the outcome.

Lolofie Taulealeausumai Dr Eti Enosa was suspended from his role in September, following investigations into public money allegedly being misused at senior levels.

But he is no longer liable for breaching the Public Service Act, as his CEO contract had expired last month.

Asiata says the prime minister hasn't responded to the situation, and that the government are at a loss as to how to handle the situation that has become highly politicised.

"From my point of view, this is really a consequence of the reforms the government has done in removing all the independent institutions that provided the checks and balances in the system of government so you hae here a situation where no one knows who is going to make the decision."

Asiata Dr Saleimoa Vaai says Lolofie is still entitled to all the benefits for being the health department's CEO.