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Samoa's opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has accused the government of neglecting two Samoan men currently facing execution in Vietnam for murder. Tuilaepa claims the government has failed to act swiftly to assist Joseph Vaa, 27, and Steve Tofa, 23, who confessed to the fatal shooting of Sydney gang boss Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia in Ho Chi Minh City.

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It's usual for leaders to contact the country where Samoans are in trouble and to ask for consideration of having the citizen tried in Samoa, under Samoan laws.

In response, the government released a statement asserting it "has taken active steps through its international partners and diplomatic channels" concerning the two men. The shooting occurred on May 21, resulting in Tovia's death at the scene and serious injury to his associate. Prime Minister Laaulialemaliatoa Leuatea Schmidt had previously described the case as "heartbreaking" but quickly shifted focus to international drug cartels allegedly luring young Samoans with money.

Tuilaepa, a former Prime Minister, believes the current administration should have immediately contacted Vietnamese authorities. He suggested that the government should have requested the men be tried under Samoan law. "It's usual for leaders to contact the country where Samoans are in trouble and to ask for consideration of having the citizen tried in Samoa, under Samoan laws," Tuilaepa stated.

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They (the ruling Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi or FAST party) quickly shut us down, with the help of their speaker. If he (the prime minister) does not talk about it, or even raise it, it means that he's not interested.

He further alleged that his party's attempts to raise the issue of legal aid for the two men in parliament were dismissed by the ruling FAST party and the speaker. Tuilaepa expressed concern that the Samoan citizens might not receive adequate legal assistance abroad. He recalled five previous international criminal cases involving Samoan nationals during his tenure, where government-to-government requests led to the individuals being tried in Samoa. However, he conceded that Samoa lacks extradition treaties with many countries, limiting its power to secure the return of citizens if foreign governments refuse.

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With any crime committed overseas by Samoans, the concern here is that a Samoan citizen might not be given proper legal help.