Attorney General Graham Leung has been dismissed from his position due to his involvement in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced the dismissal, stating that the findings of the COI revealed that Leung’s continued role in the Cabinet had become untenable.
In his statement, Rabuka expressed that the decision was not made lightly but was necessary for the integrity of governance in Fiji. This development follows ongoing scrutiny surrounding Malimali’s appointment, which has been controversial, leading to accusations of procedural irregularities. Leung’s dismissal comes less than a year since he assumed office, amplifying the visibility of issues related to accountability and ethical governance within Fiji’s political landscape.
Previously, Leung had defended the independence of the inquiry and emphasized the importance of due process in political appointments. His tenure was marked by calls for reforms to foster public trust in government institutions. Despite the unsettling circumstances, there remains hope that these developments may galvanize stronger ethical standards and reinforce the commitment to transparent governance.
As the situation unfolds, it highlights the persistent challenges Fiji faces in ensuring accountability among its public officials. This moment can be seen as a critical step towards enhancing governance and may pave the way for a more trustworthy and accountable political framework, fostering stronger public confidence in governmental institutions.
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