Siromi back, raises flags

Siromi Turaga has been reappointed as acting Attorney-General, a year after he was removed from the role by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for giving incorrect legal advice.

The move has raised concerns about the Government's legal leadership, especially as Mr Turaga is understood to have a case with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the very agency he once oversaw.

Questions are now being asked about whether the Government has a senior legal officer who can provide sound, professional advice free from conflict or controversy.

When asked how soon a new Attorney-General would be appointed, Mr Rabuka said: "Siromi Turaga to act until a substantive appointment is made or until he is substantiated."

Mr Rabuka confirmed Mr Turaga's appointment in an official statement last night, which quickly drew public interest and criticism.

The Prime Minister sacked former Attorney-General Graham Leung last Friday, just two days before Barbara Malimali's suspension as FICAC Commissioner was lifted and her appointment revoked.

Mr Turaga was removed as Attorney- General in June last year. One key reason was that he had wrongly advised the Prime Minister on the issue of MPs awarding themselves a pay rise.

The Commission of Inquiry also looked into whether Mr Turaga, as Attorney-General at the time, influenced Ms Malimali's appointment while cases involving some

MPs were being filed with FICAC. Under the FICAC Act, the Attorney- General is the Cabinet minister responsible for the oversight of FICAC.

It is understood Mr Turaga has a pending case with the anti-corruption  body.

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