Samoa Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Samoa's Prime Minister has denied claims that rights to customary lands have been violated by the Registration of Lands and Titles Act of 2008.
A group is planning a protest march in Apia on Saturday over the issue.
Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi says no customary lands have been sold to anyone, including foreigners, since Samoa became an independent nation in 1962.
He says it is clear under the constitution customary lands cannot be sold and would always remain the property of the heirs to the relevant matai title.
According to the prime minister, the legislation applies only to freehold land.
