At the centre of a high-profile legal controversy, former attorney-general Graham Leung has defended his role in the appointment of FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali, saying all his actions were lawful and proper.
“To be clear: the JSC, by law, was the final decision-making authority in this matter,” he said.
Mr Leung said the Judicial Services Commission made its recommendation on August 28, 2024 and consulted him “on or about 2 September.” After due consideration, he said he returned the recommendation as required under the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2007.
He stressed that the Act requires “consultation” — not approval or endorsement — by the Attorney-General.
“I emphatically reject any suggestion that, by not raising an objection to the JSC’s recommendation, I failed in my responsibility, committed an abuse of office, obstructed justice, or interfered with the proper administration of the law.”
He said there was “not a shred of evidence” that he engaged in criminal conduct or brought disrepute to the institutions he served.
Mr Leung added: “Such assertions are not only unfounded, but stand in direct contradiction to the professional standards I have maintained throughout my four-decade legal career.”
A redacted version of the COI report was released by the Prime Minister yesterday.
