Attorney-General Graham Leung has stated that he will only provide independent legal advice regarding the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report on the appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali if it is deemed necessary. Leung criticized the ongoing public discourse around the report’s content as speculative, emphasizing that he has yet to receive a copy of the report or been approached for legal counsel by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Leung’s involvement in the COI proceedings as a witness raised concerns, prompting Legal Counsel assisting the inquiry, Janet Mason, to indicate that it would be inappropriate for the Prime Minister to seek legal advice from him. She noted, “The appointment involved the JSC deciding, and then they had to consult the A-G before they made their recommendation to the President.”
In response to public backlash and scrutiny regarding the report, Rabuka retracted his earlier statement about consulting with the Attorney-General before meeting with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. He clarified, “At the moment, I do not need to consult with anybody until after I speak to the President,” ahead of their scheduled meeting.
While acknowledging the government’s decision to establish the COI, Leung refrained from commenting on the report’s content or recommendations. However, he hinted at the possibility that if appropriate legal procedures had been followed initially, many issues might have been avoidable. He regarded the public’s heightened interest as a positive indicator of democratic engagement.
As calls for the full release of the report grow from the public, political commentators, and Opposition MPs, the inquiry is seen as an essential step toward enhancing governance and transparency in Fiji’s political landscape. This inquiry represents not just a reactive measure to allegations surrounding Malimali’s appointment but also a proactive approach to reforming institutional integrity and restoring public trust. The ongoing discussions underscore a community desire for a more transparent governance framework, providing hope for a more accountable political future in Fiji.
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