New Attorney General commits to serve with integrity & honour

By Lagi Keresoma/

“Today I commit to lead with clarity, listen with respect and to making decisions guided not by convenient or popular opinion, but by courage and in the interest of this country,” – Mauga Precious Chang, Attorney General.

Apia, SAMOA – 9 February 2026 – Samoa’s new Attorney General, Mauga Precious Chang is committed to serving the country and people of Samoa with humility, integrity, honour and with respect.

“I stand with humility and gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility to be entrusted with the Office of the Attorney General, is not merely an appointment to a position but a solemn calling to serve the people of our nation with integrity and courage,” she said in a speech after she was sworn in by the Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi 11.

“I have taken this oath with the clear purpose to serve Samoa with integrity, honour and trust placed on me and it is a humbling experience to have you all here and with so much faith in me. I promise the next 3 years I will live up to that faith,” she said.

She acknowledged the Prime Minister and Cabinet for the faith and trust placed upon her.

“That trust I do not take lightly, it is the trust that I will carry with respect and a clear understanding of the weight of responsibility you have now entrusted upon my shoulders,” she said.

Mauga is aware that the significance the Office of the Attorney General holds a unique place in the Government and that it must be steadfast, fearless and dependable.

Mauga Precious Chang with her parents Siliniu Lina & Joe Chang.

Her Family’s Fear
Mauga was emotional when she acknowledged the support of her parents, Joe and Siliniu Lina Chang and family knowing their fear when she raised her hand to take the role of  Attorney General.

“I know the decision was hard for you, that you fear me taking this role. Forgive me for my stubbornness but someone told me I had to finish what I started,” she said.

Mauga with former Attorney Generals Aumua Ming Leung Wai and Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu.

Acknowledging those who shaped her career
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge the people who have shaped her legal career such as Kings Counsels John Bike, Kieran and Aaron and former Attorney Generals Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu and Aumua Ming Leung Wai.

Mauga first served under Taulapapa as AG and later under Aumua before setting up her own legal firm with Muriel Lui.

“Each of you left an enduring mark on my journey and I carry your lessons with me always and I only hope that I can be half the Attorney Generals you were,” she said.

To her colleagues at the AG’s office, she commits to supporting and strengthening the office so that they may continue to meet the demands placed upon them and live up to the Government and public’s expectations.

Newly sworn in Madam Attorney General with the Prime Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament and members of Cabinet.

It will not be smooth sailing
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt warned Mauga that it will not be smooth sailing along the way, but trust and faith can be a guidance to achieving the best.

“The chance to serve as Attorney General is a significant milestone, to serve and guide the rule of law is pivotal because the Attorney General advises and ensures that the law is interpreted and applied correctly,” he said.

He reminded Mauga that it is crucial to safeguard the constitutional rights of people, impartiality and fairness.

He acknowledged the 16 who have served as Attorney Generals in the 63 years since Samoa’s became an independent nation and made special mention of the Su’a Helene Wallwork Lamb who served as AG for the past four years.

The Attorney General with the Head Of State, Prime Minister, Speaker, Members of the Council of Deputies and and Reverend Dr. Latu Latai.

Call to serve with courage like Ruth in the Bible
The service to officiate the swearing-in was conducted by Reverend Dr. Latu Latai of the EFKS of Apia who used a reading from the book of Ruth to reference his message of serving with love and loyalty.

Reverend Dr. Latu Latai said Ruth is only the second woman a book in the Bible is named. She was a foreigner, a Moabite who is celebrated for her loyalty, virtue, strength and commitment who married into an Israelite family, she became a widow and famously accompanied her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem. Ruth later married Boaz, becoming the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus.

“It is a calling from God. Be brave like Ruth, serve with honesty, be loyal to God the only law of the land and commit to justice for all people. May the Lord bless and keep his face upon you, be gracious to you and may he turn his face towards you in peace,” said Reverend Latai.

The Prime Minister ended his remarks by referencing the Reverends message and told the new Attorney General, that her name was now ‘Ruth’ Mauga Precious Chang, and wished her well.