Leung Slams Inquiry Findings: “A Travesty of Justice”

Former Attorney General Graham Leung has publicly denounced the findings from the Barbara Malimali Commission of Inquiry (COI), deeming them “a travesty of justice” and labeling the allegations against him as baseless. He made these remarks during a media conference held in Suva, where he emphatically rejected the commission’s conclusions regarding his conduct during the appointment process of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali.

Leung criticized the leaked report for being a “dangerous assault on due process,” suggesting that it has damaged the public’s trust in Fiji’s legal institutions. He insisted he has yet to receive an official copy of the report despite its two-month circulation online. Leung compared the inquiry to oppressive tactics used during the Bainimarama era, emphasizing that it has undermined the presumption of innocence and has relied on “idle social media prattle” rather than substantive evidence.

In stark contrast, the redacted version of the COI report released by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that Leung was “unfit to hold public office” due to a conflict of interest and a failure to disclose prior professional ties with Malimali. The inquiry found that Leung used his position to attempt to influence her appointment improperly. As a result, the commission suggested that he should face disciplinary action from the Fiji Law Society.

Similar past reports revealed Leung’s consistent defense of his actions, asserting that he merely fulfilled a consultative role as mandated by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Act. He has maintained that no legal requirement existed for his approval of the appointment process.

Despite the controversy surrounding his dismissal and the inquiry’s findings, there is hope that this situation might lead to meaningful reforms within Fiji’s government, enhancing transparency and accountability in public office appointments. The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for strengthening ethical standards in governance and restoring public trust in Fiji’s political framework.