Tuila'epa rejects call to lift restrictions on o'o (gift giving).

Maota Fono o Samoa i le faamanatuina o le tuto'atasi. Source: Flickr

The prime minister of Samoa has strongly rejected a call for members of parliament to freely give gifts to their constituents.

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Tuila'epa says when restrictions are lifted on the gift giving (o'o), the result is only wealthy candidates will get elected - not necessarily the smartest or suitably qualified.