New Attorney-General as Sāmoa reviews national legal system

As Sāmoa’s government reviews how legal power is exercised across the state, Mauga Precious Chang has been sworn in as the country’s new Attorney-General.

Mauga was sworn in on Monday in Apia, becoming Sāmoa’s 16th Attorney-General, and stepping into a constitutional role central to checks and balances within government.

She is a key legal adviser to the governing Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party and takes up the role after nearly 10 years in private practice.

She also represented FAST during the disputed transition of government in 2021 and after the 2025 general election.

Before returning to private practice, Mauga served as director of the National Prosecution Office (NPO) from 2016 to 2017.

She resigned in March 2017 after a tribunal found that, despite earlier warnings, she did not step back from decisions linked to her own prosecution for three traffic offences arising from a 2015 accident.

Taking her oath of office in the presence of the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II. Photo/MerMada Pacific

Mauga was cleared of all charges in 2016. The Attorney-General at the time appealed the decision through New Zealand-based prosecutor Satiu Simativa Perese, who is now Sāmoa’s Chief Justice.

One of the three charges was upheld on appeal, resulting in a conviction for negligent driving causing injury.

That conviction was later overturned in 2018 when the Court of Appeal discharged Mauga without conviction.

Mauga has been key legal counsel for the FAST Party since the 2021 election period. She recently appeared for Minister of Justice, Fesolai Tusiupu Tuigamala, in December 2025 for an election-related case alleging bribery. Photo/Sāmoa Observer

The National Prosecution Office itself was established and later disestablished under the former Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) government.

Under the Constitution of the Independent State of Sāmoa, the Attorney-General is a constitutional office-holder and the State’s principal legal adviser.

The role includes advising Cabinet and ministers on the legality and constitutionality of government decisions and representing the State in court.

The position also carries significant prosecutorial authority. Under the Crimes Act 2013, certain criminal proceedings require the consent of the Attorney-General, placing the office as a key legal gatekeeper, particularly in sensitive or high-profile cases.

Speaking after her swearing-in, Mauga acknowledged the personal weight of taking on the role, saying it had been difficult for her family.

“Every parent will fear their child taking an office that always comes with public criticism, media attacks and public scrutiny,” she said. “It’s a position no parent really wants to see their child in.”

Former and current Attorney-Generals (L-R) Aumua Ming Leung-Wai, Mauga Precious Chang, Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu. Photo/Sāmoa Global News

Mauga said her office planned to hold formal information sessions for government lawyers, amid uncertainty following recent changes to the public legal service.

“There’s a lot of fear out there among lawyers in government because of sudden changes that have come out with no warning,” she said. “No matter what, our office is there to support them, and any transition will be done smoothly.”

She confirmed that proposals to bring all state lawyers under a single Attorney-General’s office have been discussed for at least 20 years.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt said he was confident Mauga was ready for the responsibility.

“Don’t stop advising,” he said. “The government’s objective is to do what is right. Cabinet is well aware of the shortage of lawyers in the Attorney-General’s office, and has decided to review the current system and bring all government lawyers under that office.”

Watch Sāmoa's new Attorney-General at her swearing-in ceremony in Apia:

Mauga also urged greater support for younger lawyers, describing them as vital to the country’s future.

“They are the builders of Sāmoa’s future,” she said. “My job is to arm them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need.”

Mauga takes over from Su’a Hellene Wallwork-Lamb, whose term as Attorney-General ended in January.