1. This Press Release serves to provide the general public with information about the
new Land and Titles Act 2020, and more specifically section 13 – Matai Sa’o.
2. The proposed clause “13. Matai Sa’o” of the Land and Titles Bill 2020 had required
a maximum of 5 Matai Sa’o to be registered. However, after the public consultation,
the majority voiced objections to proposed limitation imposed on the number of Matai
Sa’o, as many felt the number of Matai Sa’o was the prerogative of the suli and aiga.
Instead, many had suggested that the emphasis of the law should be on requiring the
Matai Sa’o to be present in Samoa to take care of the family and make decisions as
to family matters.
3. Therefore, following the public consultation, the proposed clause 13 on Matai Sa’o
numbers was then removed in its entirety and replaced with a new section “13. Matai
Sa’o”. The new section now provides that:
i. the selection and number of Matai Sa’o should not diminish the essence
and importance of the Matai Sa’o; and
ii. the bestowment ceremony of a Matai Sa’o to comply with section 15 –
Validity of the bestowment of a Matai Title; and
iii. given the responsibility of a Matai Sa’o, he or she is to be domiciled in
Samoa and be present in the family and village to carry out duties
expected of a Matai Sa’o.

4. The new section 13 of the Land and Titles Court Act 2020 sets out principles to assist
in protecting the integrity of the Matai Sa’o, however the decision on the appointment
and the number of Matai Sa’o remains the prerogative of the suli and aiga.