TWO of the most powerful legal officers in the country have been removed from their roles by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in under 24 hours.
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner Barbara Malimali and Attorney-General Graham Leung were both removed from their positions following the release of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Ms Malimali’s appointment.
In a statement, Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed the termination of Mr Leung’s appointment under Section 92(3)(b) of the Fijian Constitution.
“Today, I have decided to exercise the power conferred upon me by Section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution, to dismiss Mr Graham Everett Leung as a Minister holding the office of Attorney-General, with immediate effect,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr Leung had been appointed as Attorney-General on June 5, 2024.
However, the findings of the COI made his continued role in Cabinet “untenable”, according to the Prime Minister.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but one that is necessary in the best interest of the people that we serve.”
On the same day, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, acting on advice from the Prime Minister and in accordance with Sections 81 and 82 of the Constitution, implemented the COI’s recommendations regarding the FICAC commissioner.
As a result, Ms Malimali was suspended, and Deputy Commissioner Lisiate Fotofili’s appointment was rescinded. Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika has since assumed office.
Ms Malimali was appointed Commissioner on September 6, 2024. Within two months of her appointment, her conduct and the process leading to her selection became the subject of a formal inquiry.
Unlike Mr Leung, Ms Malimali is expected to legally challenge her suspension.
