She became the first woman to hold a Cabinet post in Tonga when she was named Attorney general and Minister of Justice in 2006.
Malia Viviena ʻAlisi Nunia Taumoepeau studied law at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand,[1] becoming the first Tongan woman with a degree in the subject.
At the same time her husband ʻAisea Taumoepeau jointly held the posts of attorney general and Minister for Justice but was asked to resign.
She was also pressured to resign by Prime Minister Fatafehi Tuʻipelehake, following her support of civil servants during a strike.
Following her resignation her former role was split into two,[3] with John Cauchi succeeding her as attorney general, and Samiu Vaipulu becoming the new Minister of Justice.