Malietoa Tanumafili II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Malietoa Tanumafili II
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Tanumafili on Sāmoan Independence Day,
1 January 1962 |
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| O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa | |
| In office 1 January 1962 – 11 May 2007 Serving with Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole until 5 April 1963 |
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| Prime Minister |
See list
Mulinu’u II
Lealofi IV Tupuola Efi Va'ai Kolone Tofilau Eti Alesana Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi |
| Preceded by | Office Established (John Bird Wright as High Commissioner) |
| Succeeded by | Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi |
| Malietoa | |
| Tenure 7 January 1940 – 11 May 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Malietoa Tanumafili I |
| Succeeded by | Malietoa Molī |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 January 1913 Samoa |
| Died | 11 May 2007 (aged 94) Apia, Samoa |
| Resting place | Mulinu'u |
| Spouses | Le Afioga i le Masiofo, Lili Tunu |
| Children | 11 |
| Parents | Malietoa Tanumafili I and Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea |
Malietoa Tanumafili II (born January 4, 1913 – died May 11, 2007) was a very important leader in Samoa. He held the special title of Malietoa, which is one of Samoa's four main chief titles. From 1962 until his death in 2007, he was the head of state of Samoa, a position called O le Ao o le Malo. He held this role for his entire life.
When Samoa first became independent in 1962, he shared the role of head of state with another important chief, Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole. After Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole passed away in 1963, Malietoa Tanumafili II became the only head of state. When he died, he was the oldest national leader in the world. He was also the last leader in the world to hold the title of "president-for-life."
The Malietoa title is one of the four tama-a-'aiga titles in Samoa. These are very old and respected family titles. The other three are Tupua Tamasese, Mata-afa, and Tuimalealiifano. After his death, the Malietoa title was passed to his oldest son, Malietoa Fa’amausili Molī.
Malietoa Tanumafili II: Samoa's Long-Serving Leader
Early Life and Family
Malietoa Tanumafili II was born in 1913. He was the third child of his parents, Malietoa Tanumafili I and Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea. In 1940, he was chosen to be the Malietoa, following his father's death in 1939.
He went to Leififi School in Samoa. Later, he studied in New Zealand at St. Stephen's School and Wesley College. When he was younger, Malietoa was a keen athlete. He enjoyed sports like boxing, rugby, and cricket. His love for sports continued throughout his life. He even played golf into his 90s. People often saw him driving his golf cart around Samoa.
His wife, Lili Tunu, passed away in 1986. Malietoa Tanumafili II had eleven children. These included sons like Suʻa Vainuupo, Afioga Malietoa Papaliʻitele Faamausili Molī, Papaliʻitele Titiuatoa, Papaliʻitele Ioane, and Papaliʻitele Douglas. His daughters included Seiuli Tutai, Lola Tosi, and Momoe. Sadly, one child died as a baby. Two of his sons, Papalii Laupepa and Papaliitele Eti, died in 1985 and 2005. When he passed away, he had four children still living.
Malietoa Tanumafili II was a follower of the Baháʼí Faith. He was the first president and the first serving head of state to be a member of this religion. In 1984, he officially opened the Baháʼí House of Worship in Tiapapata, near Samoa's capital, Apia.
Becoming a Leader
Malietoa Tanumafili II officially received the royal title of Malietoa in 1940. This happened after his father, Malietoa Tanumafili I, died in 1939. Soon after becoming Malietoa, he was chosen to be a special adviser, called Fautua. He advised the New Zealand government that was in charge of Samoa at the time. He continued in this role until Samoa became independent in 1962.
Samoa's Head of State
When Samoa gained its independence in 1962, Malietoa Tanumafili II became the O le Ao o le Malo, or head of state. He shared this role with Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole for about 16 months. When Tupua Tamasese Me'aole died in 1963, Malietoa Tanumafili II became the sole head of state. He held this important position for the rest of his life, until 2007. Many people believe he helped bring a lot of peace and stability to Samoa after it became independent.
Malietoa traveled a lot during his time as head of state. He visited many countries, including China in 1976. He also traveled to Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and West Germany. In 1989, he attended the funeral of Japanese Emperor Showa.
Malietoa Tanumafili II was seen as one of the last important Pacific leaders. These leaders helped their countries move from being under colonial rule to becoming independent. His death was part of a series of important leaders from the Pacific who passed away around that time. These included Fiji's Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, and New Zealand's Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
His Passing and Legacy
Malietoa Tanumafili II died on Friday, May 11, 2007, at 6:45 PM. He passed away at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital in Apia, Samoa. He had been in the hospital for about a week, being treated for pneumonia. The cause of his death was a heart attack.
Samoa's Secretary of State, Vaasatia Poloma Komiti, announced his death on TV. He said, "It is with deepest regret that we inform you of the passing of our Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II."
At the time of his death, Malietoa Tanumafili II was the world's third longest-serving living head of state. Only King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and Queen Elizabeth II of Britain had served longer. He was also the longest-serving president.
A National Farewell
Samoa went into a period of official mourning after Malietoa's death. All Samoan flags were lowered to half-mast to show respect. Thousands of Samoans wore white and black from May 15 until his state funeral on May 18. This was a traditional sign of mourning. The government asked people to wear traditional Samoan clothing for the funeral. They suggested a black lavalava or sulu with a white top that had traditional elei patterns. People were also asked to include the teuila flower, which is Samoa's national flower, with their mourning clothes.
On May 16, Malietoa Tanumafili II's body was moved to his home at Fa'ato'ialemanu. This marked the start of his funeral services. Hundreds of his family members attended a special private service that night.
The state funeral was a special event where ancient rituals and exchanges took place. These were made to the Sa Malietoa, which is the national political family or clan that the Malietoa title belongs to. Traditional cultural presentations were made by other districts and clans from Samoa. Ancient funeral rites were also performed.
The village of Malie, which is important to the Malietoa title, played a big role in the funeral. The 'aumaga (untitled men) of Malie, called the Aumaga a Laauli, and the 'aumaga of Falealili, called the Manu Samoa, provided hundreds of traditional guards. They guarded the areas where Malietoa lay in state and escorted his body. On the day of the funeral, 300 men of the Aumaga a Laauli guarded the grounds of Tiafau Malae. The Salelesi, an ancient herald from the village of Salelesi, guarded the body and escorted it to the tomb. All villages in the District of Tuamasaga and other villages connected to the Malietoa title cut palm leaves and coconut branches. They laid them by the main roads as an ancient sign of mourning for a paramount chief.
Malietoa's body was then moved to the Samoan Parliament to lie in state on May 17. His funeral was held on May 18 in Apia.
World Leaders Remember Him
Many leaders from around the world shared their sadness and respect for Malietoa Tanumafili II.
- Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom said she was very sad to hear of his death. She remembered her visit to Samoa in 1977 and saw the great love and respect Samoans had for him. She said his passing would be mourned across the Commonwealth.
- President George W. Bush of the USA sent his deepest condolences. He said Malietoa promoted democracy, prosperity, and peace in Samoa and the Pacific for 45 years. He also noted Malietoa's close relationship with American Samoa.
- General Secretary Hu Jintao of China expressed his shock and sadness. He called Malietoa a noble statesman who greatly helped Samoa's independence and development. He also mentioned Malietoa's efforts to build friendly ties between Samoa and China.
- Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand said Malietoa led Samoa with wisdom and humor. She noted he was a great friend of New Zealand and that the special friendship treaty between the two countries was partly due to his influence.
- President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa said Malietoa would be remembered for his dedicated service to Samoa and the Pacific. He praised Malietoa's leadership, which made Samoa a symbol of hope and stability.
- Governor Togiola Tulafono of American Samoa offered his condolences. Many American Samoans saw Malietoa as a father figure for both Samoa and American Samoa.
- President Manny Mori of the Federated States of Micronesia called Malietoa a "great leader and pioneer of Samoa." He said Malietoa's wisdom and dedication helped create the Samoan Nation.
- The Baháʼí International Community wrote that his service was marked by high principles and compassion. They noted his acceptance of the Baháʼí Faith and his joy when the Baháʼí House of Worship was built in Samoa.
Awards and Recognition
Queen Elizabeth II visited Samoa in 1977. During her visit, she gave Malietoa the Collar Badge and Star of a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George. He was also given the title of Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
