Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for the immediate suspension of both the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General, citing a significant conflict of interest stemming from ongoing court actions associated with the Commission of Inquiry (COI). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Chaudhry expressed that the COI’s findings have “shocked the nation,” unveiling the involvement of prominent figures, including high-ranking public officials, senior judiciary members, and several Cabinet ministers.
Chaudhry highlighted that the initial repercussions of the COI report included the removal of Barbara Malimali and former Attorney-General Graham Leung from their posts. As the inquiry continues to investigate other influential individuals accused of misconduct, he noted that multiple court cases have been initiated against the State to invalidate both the COI findings and the Commission itself.
He pointed out that the State is inexplicably represented in these cases by the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General, both of whom are implicated in the COI Report for unprofessional or unlawful conduct. This situation, according to Chaudhry, exemplifies a blatant conflict of interest, undermining their fiduciary responsibilities to uphold the integrity of the COI.
Accusations against the two officials also include their alleged involvement in a confidential out-of-court arrangement with the Judicial Services Commission, which was purportedly requested to be kept from the Judge. Chaudhry condemned this secrecy as “utterly repugnant” and argued it provides sufficient grounds for their dismissal.
He called for urgent action to rectify the situation, insisting that the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General be suspended immediately while competent replacements are appointed to manage all judicial review matters related to the COI. Additionally, Chaudhry urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to publicly disclose the names of eleven individuals whose COI files were reportedly returned to the police due to insufficient evidence, seeking transparency in the investigative process.
Chaudhry believes that these steps are essential to restore public confidence and ensure adherence to the rule of law in Fiji, emphasizing that it is critical for the nation to “get its house in order.”
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