Premila Kumar Questions Integrity in Legal Appointments

Former Minister Premila Kumar has raised concerns over the integrity of Fiji’s legal system, questioning how new lawyers can be expected to uphold ethical standards when judicial appointments appear politically influenced.

Kumar’s comments come in response to recent appointments within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) under the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

She argues that selective accountability undermines public trust in the rule of law.

"One should not lecture on accountability while its decisions protect some and persecute others," Kumar stated. "If the rule of law is to mean anything, those at the top must lead by example—not with empty words, but with actions that withstand scrutiny."

She questioned whether the JSC’s handling of appointments truly reflected impartiality, adding that young legal professionals entering the field deserve a system that operates with fairness and transparency.

Picture: Judiciary.gov.fj