The Attorney-General, Graham Leung, has refuted allegations that he served as a referee for FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali during her application process. He dismissed assertions made by former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube, stating he neither received any notification nor gave consent to be a referee.
“I was appointed in June, and shortly thereafter, she would have submitted her application,” Mr. Leung remarked. “Why would I jeopardize my integrity as a lawyer by endorsing a candidate whom I would ultimately oversee as their line minister?”
He noted that he had recently faced similar allegations from another individual, Mr. Chaudhry. “I categorically deny having any prior knowledge of being Ms. Malimali’s referee or that of any other candidates,” he added.
Mr. Leung mentioned that he had not seen Ms. Malimali’s application, which would only be presented to the Judicial Services Commission, the body responsible for appointing the FICAC Commissioner.
This issue has entangled several political figures concerning the appointment of Ms. Malimali as FICAC Commissioner. Earlier this week, Ms. Malimali strongly rejected claims of being a political appointee and asserted that her new role would not interfere with ongoing FICAC investigations, including those involving alleged misconduct by various government ministers.