Former Attorney-General Graham Leung has strongly refuted the findings of the Ashton Lewis Commission of Inquiry, which accused him of misconduct during the appointment process of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. Following the report, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka terminated Leung’s position, stating that the findings rendered Leung’s continued role untenable for governance.
Leung expressed deep concern over the handling of the inquiry, noting that he has not received the official 600-page report or accompanying transcripts but has instead had to rely on leaked excerpts shared on social media. He characterized this situation as a violation of natural justice and questioned its compatibility with the rule of law. “I take strong exception to and completely reject the findings of the Commission of Inquiry as they relate to my conduct during the appointment process,” he stated, affirming that his actions were in accordance with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Act of 2007.
Highlighting Section 5 of the Act, Leung explained that while the Judicial Services Commission is required to consult the Attorney-General before recommending a Commissioner, it does not demand his approval. He maintained that the commission fulfilled its legal obligations by consulting him, rejecting claims that his inaction constituted an obstruction of justice. “Those accusations are unfounded and contradict my professional standards,” Leung remarked.
Describing the inquiry report as “a triumph of idle social media gossip,” he appealed for public consideration of fairness and the presumption of innocence, pointing out that many individuals mentioned have faced undue public condemnation without the chance to defend themselves.
The dismissal of Leung, a significant transition in Fiji’s political landscape, comes just a year after assuming office and raises ongoing questions about accountability in public office appointments. Nonetheless, this situation presents an opportunity for reform and for strengthening the frameworks of accountability and transparency in governance, fostering hope for a more ethically sound political future in Fiji.
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