Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has been named Acting Attorney-General, as confirmed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. This appointment arises amid ongoing inquiries into the previously controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner. The Prime Minister emphasized Turaga’s qualifications as the only suitable candidate in the Cabinet for this role, stating that his position will remain until new information comes forth from the Commission of Inquiry that may necessitate further scrutiny or action.
The decision to appoint Turaga is intended as a temporary measure while a permanent Attorney-General is sought. Turaga has previously held the Attorney-General position, and during this interim period, he will be responsible for essential legal functions, ensuring a smooth transition in legal affairs within the government.
This appointment follows significant upheaval in Fiji’s legal framework, including the recent dismissal of Graham Leung from the Attorney-General position, which was tied to findings from the inquiry related to Malimali. The situation reflects broader calls for accountability and improvement within Fiji’s political landscape. As the government navigates these developments, there is cautious optimism that this transition will lead to more robust governance standards and enhanced public trust in its institutions.
Overall, the hope is that the appointment of Turaga, along with the ongoing inquiries into previous controversies, could pave the way for necessary reforms in the justice system, promoting transparency and ethical practices within Fiji’s government.
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