The Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Papali'i John Taimalelagi, has gone public with criticism of the Samoa Law Society after it issued a statement on Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s new ministerial roles.

The Law Society’s statement emphasised the importance of independence, transparency and impartiality in the country’s justice system. But in a social media post that appears to be directly addressed to Law Society President Fiona Ey and its members, Papali'i condemned the move, calling it “wholly inappropriate, unauthorised, and an abuse of the position held within the Society.”

“Let me be clear, you had no right whatsoever to issue such a letter in the name of the Law Society without consulting its members,” Papali'i wrote. “This is not only undemocratic—it undermines the very principles of accountability and transparency that the legal profession is meant to uphold.”

Papali'i said he intends to send a formal letter distancing himself from the contents and intent of the Society’s statement to the Prime Minister, adding that it did not represent his views, "and I believe it does not reflect the views of many other members.”

He further urged Ey to step down. “Given the gravity of this action, and the damage it may cause to the credibility of the Law Society, I strongly urge you to resign immediately as President. If any other members supported or endorsed this correspondence without proper consultation, they too should consider their positions,” he wrote.

Papali'i concluded that the Law Society must adhere to ethical conduct and proper process, adding: “That standard must begin at the top.”