But not necessarily for RHD Yet. I say the OM will be on the PMs side as about 95% of these households are praying for the government and the PM most evenings (& mornings) in their family lotus. It is hard or almost undoable to pray that God (samoa's foundation) guide and bless the government and then go out protesting over a proposed decision by the government. This situation is not unlike just before the last election. The media and other political parties had mounted strong campaigns that the OM were starting to believe them, and yet they remember that Tuilaepa and HRPP had been very good servants championing the poor. What the OM did was to go into serious praying the week before elections for the God on which Samoa is founded on for guidance in electing a government for Samoa. The HRPP came in with a resounding majority and the people believed that was the answer to their prayers. It came at an opportune time now with the restructuring of needed laws and helped in the peaceful transition of the HOS appointment. The Samoan people will not be afforded this opportunity again and thats why the current government should make sure all the legislation infrastructure to provide Samoa with a peacefull future is put in place. The HRPP should also make sure this God given opportunity is not manipulated for filthy lucre .
The protest march has higlighted much and the reasons are good. yet Tuilaepa's strong stance has to be lauded as he is showing he is a champion of the OM. He seems not to be fazed. I think he is doing what every good government is doing, that is providing access to technologies and opportunities for poverty alleviation and wealth creation. Samoan society is a giving society and most of our people living and working overseas reside in NZ,Aust. The possibility of owning a vehicle then is greatly enhanced under the proposed side switch.
The OM have been accused as lazy by the bosses of the local media and some business people. When you start collecting firewood/coconuts/foodstuffs from plantations at the age of 12 years old and carrying them by shoulder over hills and down valleys, as most OM families still do, you kind a get very lazy to go to the plantation when its a day in day out ritual. By the time you are 20, you are very lazy. Owning a car or even your neighbor owning one will be very helpfull. This is why the PM is so very strong on the RHD switch as he came thru the same village life. This is why these kids are sent overseas to work to help family. They got tired of walking 30 to sixty minutes to plantation and then carrying loads back , double the loads if you want to play an evening.
If this chance is missed through weak political will, it will never be realised again.