Samoa's prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has paid tribute to the Samoa Observer, which is marking 40 years in operatiion.
Samoa PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
A newspaper such as the Samoa Observer is critical for any government said Tuila'epa, a newspaper that is not timid.
He said the Observer reports what it sees, and interprets it how it sees it.
Tuila'epa said he wanted to congratulate Gatoaitele Savea Sano and his wife Muliaga Jean Malifafor their dedication.
The paper came about after he suggested to Gatoaitele that he start a paper, the prime minister told a reception for the Observer.
He said he didn't think at that time that Gatoaitele would become one of his biggest headaches.
Further, Tuila'epa said the Samoa Observer's relationship with the government is based on mutual respect.