Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed the dismissal of Attorney-General Graham Leung, marking a major political shift following the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of suspended FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali.
In an official statement issued this afternoon, Prime Minister Rabuka said:
“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.
I had appointed Mr Leung as a Minister of my Cabinet to serve as Attorney-General on 5 June 2024.
The findings in the recent Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner have made it evident to me that Mr Leung’s position in my Cabinet is now untenable.
This is not a decision I have taken lightly.”
Speaking to FBC News, Leung acknowledged that it is the Prime Minister’s constitutional prerogative to appoint or replace ministers. While refraining from further comment, he said he respects Rabuka’s authority and is grateful for the opportunity to have served. He also wished the Government every success.
This move comes just hours after the suspension of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner. She is now under investigation by the Fiji Police Force following allegations raised in the COI report.
The Prime Minister has confirmed that President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu acted on his advice to suspend Malimali. Lavi Rokoika has been appointed Acting FICAC Commissioner with immediate effect, while Lisiate Fotofili’s appointment as Deputy Commissioner has been rescinded. Fotofili will return to his substantive position in the judiciary.
The COI’s final report, submitted on 14 May 2025, comprises eight chapters and ten annexures, totalling 648 pages. Although Rabuka had earlier indicated the report would be made public, he now says its release must be handled cautiously to avoid prejudicing ongoing investigations or infringing on the civil rights of those named.
“I ask the people of Fiji to remain patient as we carefully map the implementation of the COI Report,” Rabuka said.
“I am committed to the release of the report, which is funded by the people of Fiji. However, this will be done in a manner to ensure that investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected and the rule of law maintained.”
Legal experts have raised concerns over how the report is being handled, with some warning it could be used to target individuals without proper legal process. Under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, evidence presented to the commission cannot be used in court proceedings except in cases of perjury.
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