Kumar Accuses Govt of Favouritism

Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has accused the Government of betraying its promise of change and undermining public trust through a string of questionable appointments to high public office.

In a strongly worded statement, Ms Kumar claimed Government had sidelined merit and integrity in favour of political loyalty, pointing specifically to the roles of Attorney-General Graham Leung and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga.

“This is the inevitable result when you appoint incompetent advisors,” she said, alleging that “basic due diligence and integrity checks have been thrown out the window.”

Ms Kumar raised concerns over the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), citing her “controversial record in Tuvalu.”

She also questioned the recent elevation of the current Acting Commissioner of Corrections, whom she said was promoted over a sitting Deputy Commissioner without transparent justification.

“These decisions erode public trust,” Ms Kumar said.

“The Constitutional Offices Commission and the Judicial Services Commission were created to uphold competence, independence, and accountability. Today, they appear to serve political interests, not the public.”

She warned that the growing perception of politicised institutions threatened the democratic fabric of Fiji.

“The erosion of public trust in these constitutional bodies is not just alarming, it’s dangerous. It sends a clear message - loyalty to the Government is valued more than competence, character, or public service.”

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