Samoan PM airlifted to NZ for treatment

The Samoan Prime Minister has been airlifted to New Zealand for medical treatment.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was transferred on Thursday morning for further medical checks on advice from doctors at Motootua Hospital.

A statement from the prime minister’s office said the transfer to New Zealand was a ‘‘precautionary measure’’ after initial tests were carried out in Samoa.

The prime minister was in great spirits prior to his departure, the statement said.

He also commented the public should not be ‘‘overly concerned’’.

‘‘As a precautionary measure, as highly advised by doctors, I am seeking medical attention in New Zealand,’’ he said. ‘‘On that note, I am looking forward to returning home with a clean bill of health.’’

Tuilaepa’s transfer to New Zealand meant he would not be able to take part in a meeting planned with Governor Lolo Moliga - the head of American Samoa - this week. The two leaders planned to finalise the agenda for the 2 Samoa talks.

The chief executive of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Governor’s chief of staff would instead carry out the discussions in Tuilaepa’s absence.

A Government official told the Samoa Observer the prime minister was attending a parliamentary seminar at Taumeasina Island Resort when he fell ill.

However, Tuilaepa’s office has tried to downplay his medical issues, saying he was taken in for a regular check-up and the people of Samoa had nothing to worry about.