Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that there is no immediate urgency to appoint a new Attorney-General after the recent dismissal of Graham Leung and the suspension of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. Following these significant developments, Mr. Rabuka indicated that he has not yet consulted with Deputy Prime Ministers Professor Biman Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica regarding the matter.
In response to inquiries about potential candidates for the Attorney-General role, Rabuka confirmed that the search is ongoing and that no one has been earmarked for the position yet. “We are looking,” he noted, reflecting a cautious approach as the government navigates this transition.
Malimali’s suspension, ordered by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and Leung’s termination are consequences of findings from a Commission of Inquiry into Malimali’s contentious appointment last year, which had sparked considerable public scrutiny and calls for accountability in Fiji’s political landscape.
This leadership shakeup comes at a pivotal moment for Fiji, with Rabuka expected to return from Vanua Levu today. The government’s handling of these departures may lay the groundwork for renewed commitment to transparency and a governance framework that aligns with the public’s demand for integrity and ethical practices in public office. There remains hope that these changes will lead to stronger governance standards and a political environment that prioritizes accountability.
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