Newly appointed Attorney General Graham Leung has stated that he undertakes the role “unhindered by membership of any political party.”
“It allows me a degree of independence, unavailable to an Attorney General who is an elected Member of Parliament,” he said in his maiden speech in Parliament this week.
“It affords me the opportunity to speak with greater candour and objectivity. I will try to use that privilege wisely, and respectfully at all times.”
Mr Leung emphasized that his role as Attorney General is to provide “the best legal advice to the Cabinet and the Government, consistent with the laws of Fiji.”
“It is not to do what is politically expedient or convenient.
“I view the unique role of the Attorney General as a fundamental pillar of the rule of law in this country.
“In its simplest formulation, the rule of law ensures that no one, including the elected Government of the day, or any public official, is above the law.
“Rule of law does not mean rule by law.”