Fiji’s Legal Landscape Shaken: Is Justice Losing Ground?

Former Attorney-General Graham Leung has raised serious concerns regarding the implications of the FICAC Commission of Inquiry, suggesting that its outcomes could set a troubling precedent, undermining due process for public figures. Speaking to the media, Leung warned, “If this can happen to all 11 of us, it can happen to any one of you,” alluding to others implicated in the report’s findings.

Leung criticized the inquiry’s reliance on social media gossip and superficial conspiracy theories, arguing that it erodes the best instincts of justice. He compared the tactics used in the inquiry to those during the Bainimarama administration, asserting that they were designed to intimidate and silence dissenting voices. He described the commission’s findings as “lazy guesswork” that threatens Fiji’s legal culture, stating, “Our worst enemies could not have hoped for a better result had they planned this themselves.”

Reflecting on the impact of the inquiry, he emphasized that the findings are a “travesty of justice,” and warned that history may characterize this moment as an unprecedented aberration in Fiji’s governance.

This skepticism aligns with his previous criticisms of the investigation, where he accused it of failing to uphold natural justice and due process by not providing him with an official copy of the report. Leung maintains that he acted within the legal framework during former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s appointment process, presenting a formal consultative role rather than one requiring his endorsement.

While these challenges persist, there remains a hopeful outlook for reforms that could emerge from this situation, potentially enhancing transparency and accountability in Fiji’s political landscape. Such reforms are critical for rebuilding public trust in governance and ensuring ethical standards in public office appointments. The discourse around these issues emphasizes a collective desire for greater integrity within Fiji’s political framework, serving as a catalyst for positive change.