The President of the Journalists Association of Western Samoa says the Prime Minister has not followed Public Service Commission procedure in appointing staff.
Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says he has nothing against his former Samoa Observer newspaper colleague, Terry Tevita, who has just been appointed the editor of the government publication, Savali.
But he says the Prime Minister's leaked letter about the appointment not being advertised raises concern, and it's not the first time.
"According to the letters published in the newspaper, it's an advice from the Prime Minister to him, at the CEO of the ministry, to have him Mr Tavita appointed as editor-in-chief, and also similar to the position of assistant CEO of the Prime Minister."
Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia.
The letter also said the Prime Minister's Office regained control of the newspaper from the Communication and Information Technology Ministry.
