14 Nov 2002

Fiji PM criticised over comments about lawyers

5:21 pm on 14 November 2002

Fiji's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, is facing strong criticism from local lawyer after he publicly attacked them for stalling the government and the public service commission.

Mr Qarase had called on the Fiji Law Society to take action against its members whose actions under the label of natural justice, he said, were irresponsible.

He said lawyers had done all sorts of things to frustrate the government.

Suva lawyer Tevita Fa says he believes his company is one of the ones the prime minister was referring to because it is representing the former agriculture secretary, Peniasi Kinatuba, in his case against the government.

Mr Fa says it is wrong of Mr Qarase to use the office of the prime minister to strengthen his case in which Mr Kunatuba has accused Mr Qarase of using money from the 13 million US dollar agriculture ministry scam to buy votes in last year's election.

Mr Fa says Mr Qarase should seek legal advice on the meaning of natural justice and its application as his comments only show his ignorance.

Another lawyer, Rajesh Gordon, has advised Mr Qarase to make complaints direct to the Fiji Law Society instead of doing general lawyer bashing through the media.

Mr Gorson says the Law Society is inviting Mr Qarase, the police and members of the public to lodge individual complaints.