Rabuka Steps Back

Attorney-General Graham Leung says he will provide independent legal advice on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report into the appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali only if required-and has labelled ongoing public commentary on the report's contents as speculative.

Mr Leung, who gave evidence during the COI hearings, confirmed yesterday he has not seen the report and has not been contacted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for any legal advice on the matter.

Mr Rabuka has come under fire for telling this masthead he intends to meet the Attorney-General. Legal counsel assisting the COI, Janet Mason, warned it would be inappropriate for the Prime

Minister to seek advice from Mr Leung, given his role as a witness in the inquiry.

"There is an issue-the A-G was involved in those proceedings, the A-G gave evidence, and what the COI did was really scrutinise that JSC process,” Ms Mason said.

“The appointment involved the JSC deciding, and then they had to consult the A-G before they made their recommendation to the President.”

Responding to the backlash, Mr Rabuka yesterday retracted his earlier comments, saying he would first meet President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

“Not because of what Ms Mason said. At the moment, I do not need to consult with anybody until after I speak to the President. We have an appointment tomorrow (today),” the PM said.

Mr Leung said he respected the Government’s decision to establish the COI and the process it followed, but declined to comment on the contents or recommendations of the report.

He did not disagree when asked whether the situation could have been avoided if proper legal processes had been followed, but noted the level of public engagement as a positive sign of democratic interest.

Calls are mounting from the public, political commentators, and Opposition MPs for the PM to release the report in full.

Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj