Jump to content

Malietoa Tanumafili II: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m add link(s)
 
(288 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa from 1962 to 2007}}
{{Infobox_Royalty
{{EngvarB|date=November 2017}}
| name = Malietoa Tanumafili II
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
| succession = [[Malietoa]] of Samoa
{{Infobox officeholder
| image = MalietoaTanumafiliII.gif
| reign = 1940 - [[May 11]], [[2007]] |
| honorific_prefix = [[His Highness]] Susuga
| name = Malietoa Tanumafili II
| coronation =
| honorific_suffix = {{postnominals|country=GBR|GCMG|CBE|size=100%}}
| predecessor = [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]]
| image = Malietoa Tanumafili II (cropped).jpg
| successor = [[Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi]] (as head of state)
| suc-type =
| caption = Tanumafili in 1962
| heir =
| office = [[O le Ao o le Malo|O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa]]
| primeminister = {{List collapsed|title=''See list''|1=[[Fiame Mataʻafa Faumuina Mulinuʻu II]]<br/>[[Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV]]<br/>[[Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi|Tupuola Efi]]<br/>[[Vaʻai Kolone]]<br/>[[Tofilau Eti Alesana]]<br/>[[Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi]]}}
| consort = Lili Tunu (deceased)
| issue =
| term_start = 1 January 1962
| royal house =
| term_end = 11 May 2007
| alongside = [[Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole]] until 5 April 1963
| royal anthem =
| father = [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]]
| predecessor = ''Office established''
| mother = [[Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea]]
| successor = [[Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi]]
| order2 = [[Malietoa]]
| date of birth = {{birth date|1913|1|4|mf=y}}
| term_label2 = Tenure
| place of birth = Samoa
| term_start2 = 7 January 1940
| date of death = {{death date and age|2007|5|11|1913|1|4}}
| term_end2 = 11 May 2007
| place of death = [[Apia, Samoa]]
| predecessor2 = [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]]
| place of burial= [[Mulinu'u]]
| successor2 = Malietoa Faʻamausili Molī
|}}
| parents = [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]]<br />Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1913|1|4}}
| birth_place = [[German Samoa]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2007|5|11|1913|1|4}}
| death_place = [[Apia]], Samoa
| resting_place = [[Mulinuʻu]]
| spouse = {{marriage|Le Afioga i le Masiofo, Lili Tunu|1940|1986|end=d}}
| party =
| children = 11 (including [[Papalii Laupepa]] and [[Momoe Malietoa Von Reiche]])
}}


'''King Malietoa Tanumafili II''', [[Order of St Michael and St George|GCMG]], [[Order of British Empire|CBE]], ([[January 4]], [[1913]] &ndash; [[May 11]], [[2007]]) (also called '''Susuga''') was the [[Malietoa]], the title of one of Samoa's four [[paramount chief]]s,<ref name=Econ>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= Malietoa Tanumafili II (Obituary)
'''Malietoa Tanumafili II''' {{postnominals|country=GBR|GCMG|CBE}} (4 January 1913 – 11 May 2007) was a Samoan paramount chief who was [[O le Ao o le Malo]] (head of state) of [[Samoa]] from its independence in 1962 until [[Death and state funeral of Malietoa Tanumafili II|his death]] in 2007. He was appointed to the high title of [[Malietoa]] in 1940.
|url= http://www.economist.com/obituary/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9217767|work= [[The Economist]] |publisher=[[The Economist]] print edition |date=2007-05-24 |accessdate=2007-06-12 }}</ref> and the head of state, or ''[[O le Ao o le Malo]]'', a position that he held for life, of [[Samoa]] from 1962 to 2007. He was co-chief of state in 1962 and became the sole head of state on [[April 15]], [[1963]].<ref>[http://www.worldlanguage.com/Countries/WesternSamoa.htm Western Samoa Products and English, Samoan Languages<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> At the time of his death, he was the oldest national leader in the world.


When the state of Western Samoa was founded in 1962, he became joint head of state with [[Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole]], who died on 15 April 1963, after which he remained the office's sole occupant until his own death.<ref name="Econ">{{cite news |title= Malietoa Tanumafili II (Obituary)
==Early and personal life==
|url= http://www.economist.com/obituary/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9217767|newspaper= [[The Economist]] |publisher=[[The Economist]] print edition |date=24 May 2007 |access-date=12 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507014439/https://www.economist.com/obituary/2007/05/24/malietoa-tanumafili-ii|archive-date=7 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.worldlanguage.com/Countries/WesternSamoa.htm Western Samoa Products and English, Samoan Languages<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070423204145/http://www.worldlanguage.com/Countries/WesternSamoa.htm|date=23 April 2007}}</ref>


==Early life==
He was born in 1913 as the son and third child of his parents, [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]] and [[Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea]]. He became the Mālietoa in 1940 following his father's death in 1939.
Tanumafili was born on 4 January 1913 as the son and third child of his parents, [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]] and Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/states/oceania/malietoa.html |title=Genealogy |access-date=5 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423044428/http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/states/oceania/malietoa.html |archive-date=23 April 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His birth date was put into question near the end of his life, as the government opted to celebrate his 95th birthday, rather than his 94th, in 2007, claiming it had obtained recorded evidence which instead gave his year of birth as 1912.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2007-05-15 |title=Malietoa Tanumafili II |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/malietoa-tanumafili-ii-rxwxhspf35g |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=[[The Times]] |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-05 |title=Questions raised over the exact year Samoa's head of state was born |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/167106/questions-raised-over-the-exact-year-samoa's-head-of-state-was-born |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref>


He inherited the royal title of [[Malietoa]] in 1940, following the 1939 death of his father, [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]],<ref name="Photos">{{cite news |date=20 May 2007 |title=Photos: Samoans farewell their king and 'father' |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10440725 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013405/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10440725 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |access-date=5 June 2007 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref> though some media reports claim that he received the title of Malietoa in 1939. The Malietoa is one of the four ''[[tamaʻāiga]]'' (maximal lineage) titles, alongside the [[Tupua Tamasese]], [[Mataʻafa]] and [[Tuimalealiʻifano]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Western Samoa. Land and Titles Court. |title=Documents relating to Tamaʻaiga titles disputes, Tuimalealiʻifano title. |date=1949–1990 |oclc=39644002}}</ref>
Tanumafili was educated at the government run [[Leififi School]] in Samoa. He went on to enroll at [[St. Stephen's College]] and [[Wesley College, Auckland|Wesley College]] in [[Pukekohe]], both of which are in [[New Zealand]]. Malietoa was an active athlete during his younger years. His favorite sports included boxing, rugby and cricket.<ref name=Honolulu>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= Samoa's King Malietoa Tanumafili II, 94
|url= http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070513/OBITS01/705130357/1187/NEWS|work= [[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[The Honolulu Advertiser]] |date=2007-05-13 |accessdate=2007-05-24 }}</ref> Malietoa's interest in sports continued throughout his life and he was an avid golfer well into his 90s. He could often be seen driving his golf cart around Samoa.<ref name=Econ/>


He was educated at the government-run Leififi School in Samoa. He went on to enroll at St. Stephen's School and [[Wesley College, Auckland|Wesley College]] in [[Pukekohe]], both of which are in New Zealand.<ref name="Honolulu">{{cite news |date=13 May 2007 |title=Samoa's King Malietoa Tanumafili II, 94 |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/13/ln/FP705130357.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519105044/http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/13/ln/FP705130357.html |archive-date=19 May 2007 |access-date=24 May 2007 |work=[[The Honolulu Advertiser]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
His wife, Lili Tunu, died in 1986.<ref>[http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/12/br/br3926458107.html King Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa dead at 94 - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Tanumafili had nine surviving children at the time of his death in 2007: Su'a Vainuupo, Faamausili Moli, Papali'itele Titiuatoa, Papali'itele Ioane, Papali'itele Douglas (sons) and Seiuli Tutai, Lola Tosi and Momoe (daughters). One child died in infancy, while his sons, Papaliitele Eti,died in 2005, Papali'itele Molioo Laupepa, died in 1985.<ref>[http://www.govt.ws/hh_profile.cfm]Profile</ref> <ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |title= Samoan king dies at the age of 94 |url= http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Samoan-king-dies-at-the-age-of-94/2007/05/13/1178994972370.html|work= The [[Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher= |date=2007-05-13 |accessdate=2007-05-13 }}</ref>


==Public career==
Malietoa Tanumafili II was a follower of the [[Bahá'í Faith]]. He was the second royal (after [[Queen Marie of Romania]]) to be a member of that religion. The [[Bahá'í House of Worship#Tiapapata.2C Samoa|Bahá'í House of Worship]] in Tiapapata, eight kilometers from the country's capital of [[Apia]], was dedicated by him in 1984.
Soon after becoming Malietoa, he was appointed a special adviser (''Fautua'') to the [[Territory of Western Samoa|New Zealand administration over Samoa]].<ref name="Photos" /><ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Otto |title= Samoa's solemn farewell |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/4067466a6016.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070930041236/http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/4067466a6016.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 30 September 2007|work= [[Manukau Courier]] |publisher= [[Stuff.co.nz]] |date=22 May 2007 |access-date=13 June 2007 }}</ref> During his earlier career, he worked for several years alongside [[Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole]], serving in multiple conventions related to constitutional reform as part of the transition to independence. Both were also members of the [[Legislative Assembly of Samoa|Legislative Assembly]] before their resignation in 1957.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date= |title=Tamasese: Architect of West Samoan Independence |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-324701331/view?partId=nla.obj-324765036#page/n42/mode/1up |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=Pacific Islands Monthly |pages=43–44 |publication-date=May 1963}}</ref> In 1959, Malietoa was appointed joint chairman of a committee advising New Zealand lawyers on drafting the Samoan constitution.<ref name=":1" />


Upon Samoa's independence in 1962, Malietoa and Tupua Tamasese became [[O le Ao o le Malo|O Ao o le Malo]] ([[head of state|heads of state]]), jointly appointed by the constitution for a [[President for life|lifetime term]]. When Tupua Tamasese died sixteen months later in April 1963, Malietoa became the sole head of state. He is often credited for providing much of the stability that Samoa has enjoyed post independence.<ref name=Econ/>
==Public life==
[[Image:Malietoa.jpg|left]]


Malietoa travelled extensively during his tenure as O le Ao o le Malo. He travelled to the People's Republic of China for an official [[state visit]] in September 1976.<ref>{{cite book|title=China's Civilian Army: The Inside Story of China's Quest for Global Power|url= https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197513705.003.0008|last=Martin|first=Peter|date=20 May 2021|location=New York|publisher=Oxford Academic|page=127|doi= 10.1093/oso/9780197513705.003.0008}}</ref> Additionally, he visited Australia, [[Fiji]], [[Tonga]], [[Nauru]], Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and [[West Germany]]. He was among the foreign dignitaries who attended the [[1984 Summer Olympics]] in [[Los Angeles]], and the [[Death and state funeral of Hirohito|funeral]] of Japanese [[Hirohito|Emperor Shōwa]] in 1989.<ref name="Honolulu" /><ref name=":0" />
Tanumafili officially inherited the royal title of [[Malietoa]] in 1940, following the 1939 death of his father, [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]],<ref name=Photos>{{cite news |first= |last= |title= Photos: Samoans farewell their king and 'father' |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10440725|work= The [[New Zealand Herald]] |publisher= [[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=2007-05-20 |accessdate=2007-06-05 }}</ref> though some media reports claim that he received the title of Malietoa in 1939. Soon after becoming Malietoa, he was appointed to serve as a special adviser, also called ''[[Fautua]]'',<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Otto |title= Samoa's solemn farewell |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/4067466a6016.html|work= [[Manukau Courier]] |publisher= [[Stuff.co.nz]] |date=2007-05-22 |accessdate=2007-06-13 }}</ref> to the New Zealand administration and governor of Samoa, known as the [[New Zealand Trusteeship of Samoa]], until independence in 1962. <ref name=Photos/>


In 1999, amid the fallout from the murder of a reformist politician and cabinet minister, [[Luagalau Levaula Kamu]], Malietoa commuted the death sentences which were handed out to the two perpetrators to life imprisonment, and reportedly also visited them in prison.<ref name=":1" /> On 9 August 2004, he bestowed the chiefly Seiuli title upon professional wrestler and actor [[Dwayne Johnson]], when the latter visited Samoa with his mother Ata Maivia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-11 |title=Samoa gives chiefly title to actor Dwayne Johnson |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/150109/samoa-gives-chiefly-title-to-actor-dwayne-johnson |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-10 |title=Now it’s Seiuli The Rock |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/22917 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Samoa Observer |language=en}}</ref>
Upon Samoa's independence in 1962, Malietoa Tanumafili II became joint [[O le Ao o le Malo]], or head of state, with [[Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole]]. Tanumafili and Mea'ole would rule jointly as head of state for just 16 months.<ref name=Econ/> When Mea'ole died in 1963, Tanumafili became the sole Samoan head of state, a post he held for life until his death in 2007. He is often credited for providing much of the stability that Samoa has enjoyed post independence.

Malietoa traveled extensively during his reign as the Samoan head of state (O le Ao o le Malo). He traveled to the [[People's Republic of China]] for an official [[state visit]] in 1976. Additionally, during his reign he also visited [[Australia]], [[Fiji]], [[Hawai'i]], [[Japan]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Korea]], [[Tonga]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the former [[West Germany]]. Malietoa Tanumafili was among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral of Japanese [[Emperor Showa]] in 1989.<ref name=Honolulu/>

Malietoa Tanumafili II was described as the last survivor of a generation of important Pacific leaders who guided their countries and peoples from [[colonialism]] to independence.<ref>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= Dignitaries bid farewell to `father of Samoa' Malietoa
|url= http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/05/20/2003361687|work= [[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[Taipei Times]] |date=2007-05-20 |accessdate=2007-06-05 }}</ref> His death was the latest in a string of recent, high profile passings of members of this Pacific generation of leaders, which included the late Fijian president, [[Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara]], the [[King of Tonga]], [[Taufa'ahau Tupou IV]], and New Zealand's [[Maori Queen]], [[Te Atairangikaahu|Dame Te Atairangikaahu]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Belinda |last=McCammon|title= NZ will work with whoever Samoa elects - Clark
|url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10440748|work= [[New Zealand Herald]] |publisher=[[New Zealand Herald]] |date=2007-05-20 |accessdate=2007-06-05 }}</ref>


==Death==
==Death==
{{Main|Death and state funeral of Malietoa Tanumafili II}}
Malietoa Tanumafili II died at 6:45 P.M. on Friday [[May 11]], [[2007]], at the [[Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital]] at [[Moto'otua]] in [[Apia, Samoa]]. He was being treated as a patient for [[pneumonia]] at the hospital for approximately a week.<ref>{{cite news |first=Fili |last=Sagapolutele |title= Samoan Head Of State Passes Away|url= http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/05/12/samoan-head-of-state-passes-away|work= [[Pacific Magazine]] |publisher= |date=2007-05-12 |accessdate=2007-05-12 }}</ref> The cause of his death has not been released.
Malietoa died at the age of 94 on 11 May 2007, at the Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole National Hospital in Apia, where he was being treated for [[pneumonia]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Fili |last=Sagapolutele |title=Samoan Head of State Passes Away |url=http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/05/12/samoan-head-of-state-passes-away |work=[[Pacific Magazine]] |date=12 May 2007 |access-date=12 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927175435/http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/05/12/samoan-head-of-state-passes-away |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> He was the [[Lists of state leaders by age#Oldest serving state leaders|oldest incumbent state leader]] at the time of his death.<ref name="IHT">{{cite news |title= Samoa's king, one of world's longest reigning monarchs, dies|url= http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/12/america/NA-GEN-US-Obit-Malietoa.php|work= [[International Herald Tribune]] |agency=Associated Press |date=12 May 2007 |access-date=13 May 2007 }}</ref> He was buried on 18 May.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-05-18 |title=Thousands farewell Samoan leader |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-05-19/thousands-farewell-samoan-leader/2552594 |access-date=2024-07-31 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>


He was succeeded as head of state by [[Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi]] in June 2007, and as Malietoa by his eldest surviving son, Papaliʻitele Faʻamausili Molī, in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-22 |title=Court rules in favour of Fa’amausili Moli as the next Malietoa |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/5422 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Samoa Observer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-17 |title=Malietoa title bestowed at Malie |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/31704?jwsource=cl |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Samoa Observer |language=en}}</ref>
His death was announced by Samoan Secretary of State Vaasatia Poloma Komiti on [[Samoa Broadcasting Corporation|SBC TV1]]. "It is with deepest regret that we inform you of the passing of our Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II."<ref name=NZ>{{cite news |first=Cherelle |last=Jackson |title= Samoa's Head of State Malietoa dies aged 95|url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10439457|work= [[New Zealand Herald]] |publisher= |date=2007-05-13 |accessdate=2007-05-12 }}</ref>


==Honours==
Malietoa Tanumafili II was the world's third longest reigning living monarch at the time of his death in May 2007 after [[Thailand|Thailand's]] King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]], who has reigned since 1946 and [[United Kingdom|Britain's]] [[Queen Elizabeth II]], who has reigned since 1952.<ref name=IHT>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= Samoa's king, one of world's longest reigning monarchs, dies|url= http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/12/america/NA-GEN-US-Obit-Malietoa.php|work= [[International Herald Tribune]] |publisher=Associated Press |date=2007-05-12 |accessdate=2007-05-13 }}</ref>
Malietoa was appointed a Commander of the [[Order of the British Empire]] in 1959.<ref name=":1" /> In 1977, [[Elizabeth II]] visited Samoa for a single day as part of her tour of the South Pacific on board the [[Royal Yacht Britannia|Royal Yacht ''Britannia'']]. While in Samoa, she presented Malietoa with the Collar Badge and Star of a Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of St Michael and St George]].<ref>{{cite news |title= Samoa King Dies|url= http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21722076-663,00.html|agency= [[Associated Press]] |work= [[Herald Sun]] |date=13 May 2007 |access-date=13 May 2007 }}</ref>


===Funeral===
== Personal life ==
Malietoa was an active athlete during his younger years. His favourite sports included boxing, rugby and cricket.<ref name="Honolulu" /> Malietoa's interest in sports continued throughout his life and he was an avid golfer well into his nineties. He could often be seen driving his golf cart around Samoa.<ref name="Econ" />
Samoa entered a state of official mourning from the time of the Malietoa's death until his official funeral. All [[Flag of Samoa|Samoan flags]] were lowered to half mast in his honour and remembrance. According to tradition, thousands of Samoans were expected to wear white and black as a sign of respect for the Malietoa from May 15th until his state funeral on May 18. The government of Samoa encouraged traditional Samoan dress for the funeral. Samoans were requested specifically to wear "a black [[lavalava]] or [[sulu (clothing)|sulu]] and a white top with traditional [[elei]] patterns." Samoans were also asked to include the [[teuila]] flower, the [[national flower]] of Samoa, with their mourning attire.<ref name=Thousands>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= Thousands expected to pay respect and honour to former Samoa Head of State|url= http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=32272|work= [[Radio New Zealand International]] |publisher=Radio New Zealand International|date=2007-05-15 |accessdate=2007-06-05}}</ref>


In 1973, Malietoa became a follower of the [[Baháʼí Faith]]. He was the first serving head of state to be a member of the religion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanumafili II |first=Malietoa |date=1973-03-30 |title=Office of the Head of State |url=https://bahai.works/index.php?title=File:BW_Volume15.pdf&page=207 |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=The Baháʼí World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Universal House of Justice |date=1973-05-07 |title=To the Bahá'ís of the World |url=https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19730507_001/1 |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=Bahá’í Reference Library}}</ref> In 1976, he visited the graveside of [[Shoghi Effendi]], first and last [[Guardian (Baháʼí Faith)|Guardian]] of the Baháʼí [[Baháʼí_administration|Administrative Order]], in London.<ref>{{cite journal |date=1976 |title=THE FIRST VISIT BY A Bahá'í REIGNING MONARCH TO THE RESTING PLACE OF SHOGHI EFFENDI |url=https://bahai.works/index.php?title=File:BW_Volume17.pdf&page=89 |journal=The Baháʼí World |volume=17 |page=69}}</ref> In 1979 he laid the foundational cornerstone of the [[Baháʼí House of Worship#Tiapapata, Samoa|Baháʼí House of Worship]] in Tiapapata, eight kilometres from the capital of [[Apia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1979-02-01 |title=His Highness lays stone |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/10269 |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=Samoa Observer}}</ref> The temple was subsequently dedicated by him at completion in 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanumafili II |first=Malietoa |date=1984-09-01 |title=Text of the address of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II |url=https://bahai.works/index.php?title=File:BW_Volume19.pdf&page=581 |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=The Baháʼí World}}</ref>
Malietoa Tanumafili II's body was taken from a private funeral home (Ligaliga Funeral) to his residence at [[Fa'ato'ialemanu]] on May 16th, which marked the beginning of his funeral services. Hundreds of the Malietoa's close and extended relatives, including his children, attended a special private family service that night.


His wife, Lili Tunu, whom he married in 1940, died in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-12 |title=King Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa dead at 94 |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/12/br/br3926458107.html |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=[[The Honolulu Advertiser]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-08-09 |title=Samoans farewell their king and "father" |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSYD147429/ |access-date=2024-06-08 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> He had eleven children including [[Papalii Laupepa|Papaliʻi Laupepa]] and [[Momoe Malietoa Von Reiche|Papaliʻi Momoe Von Reiche]]. Malietoa was survived by two sons and two daughters.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Government of Samoa - Official Website |url=http://www.govt.ws/hh_profile.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520000104/http://www.govt.ws/hh_profile.cfm |archive-date=20 May 2007 |access-date=14 May 2007}} Profile</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=13 May 2007 |title=Samoan king dies at the age of 94 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Samoan-king-dies-at-the-age-of-94/2007/05/13/1178994972370.html |access-date=13 May 2007 |work=The [[Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tautua-Fanene |first=Deidre |date=2018-08-17 |title=Malietoa title bestowed at Malie |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/31704 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190814041141/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/31704 |archive-date=14 August 2019 |access-date=2019-08-14 |website=Samoa Observer}}</ref>
The State funeral was a rare occasion when ancient rituals and exchanges were made to the Sa Malietoa (the national political 'family' or clan from which the Malietoa title belongs). Traditional cultural presentations (or Si'i Fa'atupu) from other districts and clans from within Samoa were made and ancient funeral rites were performed. The delegation (or auala) from Lufilufi, representing the TuiAtua, circled the Maota of Malietoa at Faatoialemanu where the late Malietoa lay in state, chanting the ancient funeral chants associated with the district of Atua and its relationship with the district of Tuamasaga (where the Malietoa is the paramount title). Traditional delegations representing the Tongan Royal Family and the Fijian Great Council of Chiefs also made cultural presentations to reflect the ancient genealogical ties between Samoa and her southern neighbours Tonga and Fiji.


== Family tree ==
The major village of the Malietoa title, Malie, played a major role in funeral ceremonies and exchanges. The 'aumaga (untitled men) of Malie, called the Aumaga a Laauli, and the 'aumaga (untitled men) of Falealili, called the Manu Samoa, provided hundreds of traditional guards in and around the compounds where the Malietoa lay in state. They also patrolled the roads around Faatoialemanu and provided escorting duties whenever the body was moved. On the day of the funeral the grounds of Tiafau Malae where the funeral was held were guarded by 300 men of the Aumaga a Laauli. Presiding over the body was the Salelesi (the ancient 'dog' of the Malietoa, from the village of Salelesi (District of Atua). His role is to guard the body and escort it into the tomb. All villages in the District of Tuamasaga and other villages connected to the Malietoa title cut palm leaves and branches of hundreds of coconut trees and laid them by the side of main roads in an ancient mark of mourning for the death of a paramount chief.
{{Malietoa family tree}}


==References==
<ref>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= Friends and family of Samoa’s late Head of State gather in Apia|url= http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=32299|work= [[Radio New Zealand International]] |publisher=Radio New Zealand International|date=2007-05-16 |accessdate=2007-06-05}}</ref>
{{Reflist|30em}}

His body was then moved to the Samoan Parliament to lie in state on May 17th.

His funeral was held on [[May 18]] in [[Apia]].<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501196&objectid=10440604 "Samoan leader laid to rest"], NZPA (nzherald.co.nz), May 19, 2007.</ref>

===International reaction ===
[[Image:MalietoaTanumafiliIIolder.jpg|right|240px|Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
{{flagcountry|American Samoa}} - '''[[List of governors of American Samoa|Governor]] [[Togiola Tulafono]]''' stated: "I offer my condolence to the people and government of Samoa on the passing of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili. May God guide the people of Samoa as they mourn his passing."<ref name=IHT/> Many American Samoans considered Tanumafili to be the father of both Samoa and American Samoa. Tanumafili was a frequent visitor to the American territory's [[Flag Day in the United States|Flag Day]] celebrations.

{{flagcountry|Federated States of Micronesia}} - Newly elected Micronesian '''President [[Manny Mori]]''' sent a letter to Samoan Prime Minister [[Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi]] stating that Malietoa Tanumafili II was a "great leader and pioneer of Samoa...As a great leader of the Independent State of Samoa, His [[Highness]] Malietoa Tanumafili II was one of the prominent Samoan leaders leading up to its Independence in 1962...His wisdom, leadership and dedication contributed to the forgoing and eventual inception of the Samoan Nation...Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of national mourning."<ref>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= President Mori sends condolences to Samoa (Government of FSM Press Release) |url= http://www.fsmgov.org/press/pr05220a.htm|work= [[Government of the Federated States of Micronesia]] |publisher= |date=2007-05-22 |accessdate=2007-05-24 }}</ref>

{{flagcountry|New Zealand}} - '''Prime Minister [[Helen Clark]]''' reacted to the news of Tanumafili's death: "Through his long reign as Head of State, Malietoa represented Samoa with wisdom, humour and insight...Malietoa was educated at [[St. Stephens School]] near [[Auckland]]. He was a great friend of New Zealand as Head of State, and was well known to successive New Zealand governments and diplomats...It is significant that New Zealand has a [[Treaty of Friendship]] with only one country- Samoa- and our shared unique relationship was due in no small part to Malietoa's influence as a father of modern Samoa. New Zealanders of Samoan descent, together with their [[palagi]] counterparts, will be thinking of Samoa, at this sad time."<ref name=NZ/>

{{flagcountry|South Africa}} - '''President [[Thabo Mbeki]]''' issued a statement of support to Samoan government: "It is with a sense of great sadness and shock that we have learnt of the passing away of His Highness, King Malietoa Tanumafili II on Friday, 11 May 2007. Despite this sad loss to the Samoan nation and [[Samoans|people]], the King will be long remembered for his passionate and committed service to Samoa and the broader [[Pacific Islands]] region...It was a testimony to his astute leadership that for the past 15 years Samoa had stood as a beacon of hope, stability and progress in the [[Pacific]]. South Africa therefore applauded the achievements of the King for having been a powerful and resonating voice for democracy and good governance as well as in articulating the development challenges unique to small developing island states."<ref>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= South Africa's condolences on Samoa king's death|url= http://www.sabcnews.com/world/asia1pacific/0,2172,149096,00.html|work= [[SABC News]] |publisher=[[SABC News]] |date=2007-05-14<!-- 21:00 -->|accessdate=2007-05-15 }}</ref>

[[Image:Bahai star.svg|20px]] '''[[Bahá'í International Community]]''' - The governing body of the [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]], the [[Universal House of Justice]] wrote: "His service to the people of Samoa as Head of State was distinguished by the high principles, genuine compassion and personal humility that characterized the constancy of his concern for the welfare of all. As the first reigning sovereign to accept the Message of [[Bahá'u'lláh]], he set a record that will forever illumine the annals of our Faith, one that future generations will increasingly extol. His great interest for well-nigh four decades in the Faith's progress was reflected in the enthusiastic affirmation of his belief whenever the opportunity presented itself and in the abiding joy with which he regarded the construction in 1984 of the [[Bahá'í House of Worship#Tiapapata, Samoa|Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands]] in Samoa...."<ref>{{cite news | title = Funeral and memorial service planned for Samoan head of state | url = http://news.bahai.org/story/543 | work = Bahá'í World News Service | author = Bahá'í International Community | date = 2007-05-14 | accessdate = 2007-05-14}}</ref>

==Honours==
[[Queen Elizabeth II]] visited Samoa for a single day in 1977 as part of her visit to the [[Oceania|South Pacific]] on board the [[Royal Yacht Britannia]]. While in Samoa, Elizabeth presented Malietoa with the Collar Badge and Star of a Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of St Michael and St George]].<ref>{{cite news |first=|last=|title= Samoa King Dies|url= http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21722076-663,00.html|work= [[Associated Press]] |publisher= [[Herald Sun]] |date=2007-05-13 |accessdate=2007-05-13 }}</ref>

Also bestowed on Malietoa was the title of Honorary Commander of the [[Order of the British Empire]] during his life.
{{Politics of Samoa}}

==See also==
*[[List of longest reigning monarchs of all time]]


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10439457 Obituary from the New Zealand Herald]
*[http://www.stuff.co.nz/4058123a12.html Uncertain times ahead as Samoa deals with new order]
*[http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/nzom.html New Zealand Order of Merit Roll]
*[http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/nzom.html New Zealand Order of Merit Roll]
*[http://www.letemps.ch/template/displayimage.asp?imageid=5764 Photograph Taken in 2006]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070310123713/http://www.letemps.ch/template/displayimage.asp?imageid=5764 Photograph taken in 2006]
* [http://www.gyaszhir.hu/detail.php?id=12308 His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II's Obituary]
* [http://www.gyaszhir.hu/book.php?id=12308 His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II's Condolence Book]


{{s-start}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{s-off}}
|-
{{s-non
| reason = Office established
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = [[O le Ao o le Malo|O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa]]
| years = 1962–2007
| alongside = [[Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole]] (until 1963)
}}
{{s-aft
| after = [[Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi]]
}}
|-
{{s-reg}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Malietoa Tanumafili I]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Malietoa
| years = 1939–2007
}}
{{s-aft
| after = Malietoa Molī
}}
{{s-end}}


{{O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa}}
{{start box}}
{{succession box|title=Head of State of Samoa|before=[[Charles Lyttelton, 10th Viscount Cobham|Charles Lyttelton]], last pre-independence Governor-General of New Zealand|after=Incumbent|years=1962-2007<br>(''with [[Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole]] until 1963'')|after=[[Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi]]}}
{{end box}}


{{start box}}
{{Authority control}}
{{succession box|title=[[Malietoa]]|before=[[Malietoa Tanumafili I]]|after=TBA|years=1939-2007}}
{{end box}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Tanumafili Ii, Malietoa}}
<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
[[Category:Malietoa]]

{{Persondata
|NAME= Tanumafili, His Highness Malietoa, II
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Susuga
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=head of state of [[Samoa]] from 1962 to 2007
|DATE OF BIRTH= [[January 4]], [[1913]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=
|DATE OF DEATH= [[May 11]], [[2007]]
|PLACE OF DEATH= [[Apia, Samoa]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tanumafili II, Malietoa}}
[[Category:Samoan politicians]]
[[Category:Samoan Bahá'ís]]
[[Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George]]
[[Category:O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa]]
[[Category:O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa]]
[[Category:1913 births]]
[[Category:1913 births]]
[[Category:2007 deaths]]
[[Category:2007 deaths]]
[[Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire]]

[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George]]
[[cs:Malietoa Tanumafili II.]]
[[Category:Samoan Bahá'ís]]
[[da:Tanumafili 2. af Samoa]]
[[Category:20th-century Bahá'ís]]
[[de:Tanumafili II.]]
[[Category:21st-century Bahá'ís]]
[[et:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[Category:1940s in Western Samoa Trust Territory]]
[[el:Μαλιετόα Τανουμαφίλι Β΄]]
[[Category:1950s in Western Samoa Trust Territory]]
[[es:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[Category:1960s in Samoa]]
[[fr:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[Category:1970s in Samoa]]
[[gl:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[id:Malietoa Tanumafili II dari Samoa]]
[[Category:1980s in Samoa]]
[[Category:1990s in Samoa]]
[[la:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[Category:2000s in Samoa]]
[[lb:Tanumafili II.]]
[[Category:20th-century Samoan politicians]]
[[nl:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[Category:21st-century Samoan politicians]]
[[ja:マリエトア・タヌマフィリ2世]]
[[Category:Bahá'í royalty]]
[[no:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[pl:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[pt:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[ru:Малиетоа Танумафили II Сусуга]]
[[sm:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[fi:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[sv:Malietoa Tanumafili II]]
[[th:มาลีเอตัว ตานุมาฟิลิที่ 2]]
[[uk:Маліетоа Танумафілі II]]
[[zh:马列托亚·塔努马菲利二世]]

Latest revision as of 04:42, 21 November 2024

His Highness Susuga
Malietoa Tanumafili II
GCMG CBE
Tanumafili in 1962
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
Prime Minister
See list
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byTui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi
Malietoa
Tenure
7 January 1940 – 11 May 2007
Preceded byMalietoa Tanumafili I
Succeeded byMalietoa Faʻamausili Molī
Personal details
Born(1913-01-04)4 January 1913
German Samoa
Died11 May 2007(2007-05-11) (aged 94)
Apia, Samoa
Resting placeMulinuʻu
Spouse(s)
Le Afioga i le Masiofo, Lili Tunu
​
​
(m. 1940; died 1986)​
Children11 (including Papalii Laupepa and Momoe Malietoa Von Reiche)
Parent(s)Malietoa Tanumafili I
Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea

Malietoa Tanumafili II GCMG CBE (4 January 1913 – 11 May 2007) was a Samoan paramount chief who was O le Ao o le Malo (head of state) of Samoa from its independence in 1962 until his death in 2007. He was appointed to the high title of Malietoa in 1940.

When the state of Western Samoa was founded in 1962, he became joint head of state with Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole, who died on 15 April 1963, after which he remained the office's sole occupant until his own death.[1][2]

Early life

[edit]

Tanumafili was born on 4 January 1913 as the son and third child of his parents, Malietoa Tanumafili I and Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea.[3] His birth date was put into question near the end of his life, as the government opted to celebrate his 95th birthday, rather than his 94th, in 2007, claiming it had obtained recorded evidence which instead gave his year of birth as 1912.[4][5]

He inherited the royal title of Malietoa in 1940, following the 1939 death of his father, Malietoa Tanumafili I,[6] though some media reports claim that he received the title of Malietoa in 1939. The Malietoa is one of the four tamaʻāiga (maximal lineage) titles, alongside the Tupua Tamasese, Mataʻafa and Tuimalealiʻifano.[7]

He was educated at the government-run Leififi School in Samoa. He went on to enroll at St. Stephen's School and Wesley College in Pukekohe, both of which are in New Zealand.[8]

Public career

[edit]

Soon after becoming Malietoa, he was appointed a special adviser (Fautua) to the New Zealand administration over Samoa.[6][9] During his earlier career, he worked for several years alongside Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole, serving in multiple conventions related to constitutional reform as part of the transition to independence. Both were also members of the Legislative Assembly before their resignation in 1957.[10] In 1959, Malietoa was appointed joint chairman of a committee advising New Zealand lawyers on drafting the Samoan constitution.[4]

Upon Samoa's independence in 1962, Malietoa and Tupua Tamasese became O Ao o le Malo (heads of state), jointly appointed by the constitution for a lifetime term. When Tupua Tamasese died sixteen months later in April 1963, Malietoa became the sole head of state. He is often credited for providing much of the stability that Samoa has enjoyed post independence.[1]

Malietoa travelled extensively during his tenure as O le Ao o le Malo. He travelled to the People's Republic of China for an official state visit in September 1976.[11] Additionally, he visited Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Nauru, Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and West Germany. He was among the foreign dignitaries who attended the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and the funeral of Japanese Emperor Shōwa in 1989.[8][12]

In 1999, amid the fallout from the murder of a reformist politician and cabinet minister, Luagalau Levaula Kamu, Malietoa commuted the death sentences which were handed out to the two perpetrators to life imprisonment, and reportedly also visited them in prison.[4] On 9 August 2004, he bestowed the chiefly Seiuli title upon professional wrestler and actor Dwayne Johnson, when the latter visited Samoa with his mother Ata Maivia.[13][14]

Death

[edit]
Main article: Death and state funeral of Malietoa Tanumafili II

Malietoa died at the age of 94 on 11 May 2007, at the Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole National Hospital in Apia, where he was being treated for pneumonia.[15] He was the oldest incumbent state leader at the time of his death.[16] He was buried on 18 May.[17]

He was succeeded as head of state by Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi in June 2007, and as Malietoa by his eldest surviving son, Papaliʻitele Faʻamausili Molī, in 2018.[18][19]

Honours

[edit]

Malietoa was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1959.[4] In 1977, Elizabeth II visited Samoa for a single day as part of her tour of the South Pacific on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. While in Samoa, she presented Malietoa with the Collar Badge and Star of a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.[20]

Personal life

[edit]

Malietoa was an active athlete during his younger years. His favourite sports included boxing, rugby and cricket.[8] Malietoa's interest in sports continued throughout his life and he was an avid golfer well into his nineties. He could often be seen driving his golf cart around Samoa.[1]

In 1973, Malietoa became a follower of the Baháʼí Faith. He was the first serving head of state to be a member of the religion.[21][22] In 1976, he visited the graveside of Shoghi Effendi, first and last Guardian of the Baháʼí Administrative Order, in London.[23] In 1979 he laid the foundational cornerstone of the Baháʼí House of Worship in Tiapapata, eight kilometres from the capital of Apia.[24] The temple was subsequently dedicated by him at completion in 1984.[25]

His wife, Lili Tunu, whom he married in 1940, died in 1986.[26][27] He had eleven children including Papaliʻi Laupepa and Papaliʻi Momoe Von Reiche. Malietoa was survived by two sons and two daughters.[12][28][29]

Family tree

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Malietoa Tanumafili II (Obituary)". The Economist. The Economist print edition. 24 May 2007. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2007.
  2. ^ Western Samoa Products and English, Samoan Languages Archived 23 April 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Genealogy". Archived from the original on 23 April 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d "Malietoa Tanumafili II". The Times. 15 May 2007. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Questions raised over the exact year Samoa's head of state was born". RNZ. 5 January 2007. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Photos: Samoans farewell their king and 'father'". The New Zealand Herald. 20 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 5 June 2007.
  7. ^ Western Samoa. Land and Titles Court. (1949–1990). Documents relating to Tamaʻaiga titles disputes, Tuimalealiʻifano title. OCLC 39644002.
  8. ^ a b c "Samoa's King Malietoa Tanumafili II, 94". The Honolulu Advertiser. Associated Press. 13 May 2007. Archived from the original on 19 May 2007. Retrieved 24 May 2007.
  9. ^ Otto, Michael (22 May 2007). "Samoa's solemn farewell". Manukau Courier. Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2007.
  10. ^ "Tamasese: Architect of West Samoan Independence". Pacific Islands Monthly. May 1963. pp. 43–44. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  11. ^ Martin, Peter (20 May 2021). China's Civilian Army: The Inside Story of China's Quest for Global Power. New York: Oxford Academic. p. 127. doi:10.1093/oso/9780197513705.003.0008.
  12. ^ a b "Government of Samoa - Official Website". Archived from the original on 20 May 2007. Retrieved 14 May 2007. Profile
  13. ^ "Samoa gives chiefly title to actor Dwayne Johnson". RNZ. 11 August 2004. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Now it's Seiuli The Rock". Samoa Observer. 10 August 2004. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  15. ^ Sagapolutele, Fili (12 May 2007). "Samoan Head of State Passes Away". Pacific Magazine. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 12 May 2007.
  16. ^ "Samoa's king, one of world's longest reigning monarchs, dies". International Herald Tribune. Associated Press. 12 May 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
  17. ^ "Thousands farewell Samoan leader". ABC News. 18 May 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  18. ^ "Court rules in favour of Fa'amausili Moli as the next Malietoa". Samoa Observer. 22 December 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  19. ^ "Malietoa title bestowed at Malie". Samoa Observer. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  20. ^ "Samoa King Dies". Herald Sun. Associated Press. 13 May 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
  21. ^ Tanumafili II, Malietoa (30 March 1973). "Office of the Head of State". The Baháʼí World. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  22. ^ Universal House of Justice (7 May 1973). "To the Bahá'ís of the World". Bahá’í Reference Library. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  23. ^ "THE FIRST VISIT BY A Bahá'í REIGNING MONARCH TO THE RESTING PLACE OF SHOGHI EFFENDI". The Baháʼí World. 17: 69. 1976.
  24. ^ "His Highness lays stone". Samoa Observer. 1 February 1979. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  25. ^ Tanumafili II, Malietoa (1 September 1984). "Text of the address of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II". The Baháʼí World. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  26. ^ "King Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa dead at 94". The Honolulu Advertiser. 12 May 2007. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Samoans farewell their king and "father"". Reuters. 9 August 2007. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  28. ^ "Samoan king dies at the age of 94". The Sydney Morning Herald. 13 May 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
  29. ^ Tautua-Fanene, Deidre (17 August 2018). "Malietoa title bestowed at Malie". Samoa Observer. Archived from the original on 14 August 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
[edit]
Political offices
Office established O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa
1962–2007
Served alongside: Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole (until 1963) 		Succeeded by
Regnal titles
Preceded by Malietoa
1939–2007 		Succeeded by
Malietoa Molī
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Malietoa_Tanumafili_II&oldid=1258710141"