The Attorney-General, Graham Leung, has rejected allegations made by former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube, claiming he served as a referee for FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s application. Mr. Leung asserted that he was neither informed nor consented to act as a referee.
“I was appointed in June, and shortly after, she would have submitted her application,” Mr. Leung explained. “Why would I put my integrity as a lawyer at risk by endorsing someone who would be under my oversight as their line minister?”
Mr. Leung pointed out that he had previously faced similar accusations from Mr. Chaudhry and now from Mr. Narube. “I categorically deny having any prior knowledge of being Ms. Malimali’s referee or for any other candidates,” he stated.
He also mentioned that he had not seen Ms. Malimali’s application, which is to be submitted to the Judicial Services Commission, the body responsible for appointing the FICAC Commissioner.
Mr. Leung is among several political figures involved in the discussions surrounding Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Earlier, Ms. Malimali strongly denied being a political appointee and emphasized that her position would not influence ongoing FICAC investigations, which include inquiries into alleged misconduct by various government ministers.