Malae backs out from A. Samoa gubernatorial race

Abe Utu Malae confirmed with the Saipan Tribune Friday night that he has officially backed out from the gubernatorial race in his hometown, American Samoa, to finish many important jobs here in the Commonwealth.

He said he will continue to serve as the executive director of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. until he fulfills all necessary work that will enable CUC to comply with all mandates of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Malae got back Thursday night from a vacation in American Samoa where he met with his family and supporters.

He said that many of his supporters were disappointed with this turn of event but they understood and respected his decision.

“Yes, I backed out [from the race] because I have to come back here and continue my work. There are too many things that have to be done at CUC and I just feel that it won’t be right for me to leave at this time…without finishing a lot of these important works,” Malae said.

Malae’s two-year contract will expire in November 2012.

It was in August this year when Malae first announced his election bid and plans to leave his post by March next year.

Malae said that “there was no pressure or whatsoever” in the sudden change of his plans. “It’s solely my personal decision.”

The Fitial administration welcomed Malae’s decision.

“Continuity is a major key to the long-term rehabilitation of our lone utilities agency. While the administration supported Mr. Malae’s earlier decision to run for governor of American Samoa, the administration has since learned that he is no longer running for the post. The administration is certainly pleased that he will continue his valued service and leadership at CUC,” press secretary Angel Demapan told Saipan Tribune.

He said the administration knows that Malae’s latest decision came with a tremendous degree of difficulty, given his desire to serve the people in his homeland. “Nonetheless, we are grateful for Mr. Malae’s concern and his determination to work toward maintaining stability at CUC and the goal of making reliable and affordable energy solutions available for everyone in the Commonwealth,” said Demapan.

Malae ran as governor for American Samoa in November 2008 and finished second. He left his Senate seat in Sa’ole county in the Fono (Legislature) in 2009 to accept the CUC position after the CNMI government asked for his help to turn around the then-troubled utilities corporation, which has been in state of emergency since 2008 due to its poor services and condition.

He was first hired as assistant executive director and later succeeded Tony Muña as executive director in October 2010.