Attorney General job up for grab

The Government is most likely to advertise the post of Attorney General in a bid to promote transparency and accountability of that position. “We want be transparent so the position will be advertised,” a well-placed government source said.

The attorney general’s position came under the spotlight in the past 15 months when the previous government sacked Primo Afeau and handpicked controversial Australian lawyer Julian Moti.

Many, particularly local lawyers, strongly opposed to Mr Moti’s appointment. Regardless of his academic record, many believe he should return to Australia to clear his name before he could take up the top legal job.

Mr Moti was attorney general for only six months before the new government deported him less than two weeks ago. He now faces seven counts of child sex charges in the Australian courts.

Now, the Sikua-led government is reportedly considering advertising the position. Two names linked to the top are former Attorney General Mr Afeau and private lawyer Gabriel Suri. Mr Suri had told the Solomon Star that he’s ready to take the job provided the government met his conditions.

Mr Suri has been defending the Opposition – now the government – in the political crisis leading up to the ousting of the Sogavare government. The Solomon Star understands that Mr Suri is considering a government offer to be the acting attorney general while the position is being advertised.

Mr Suri will acting for up to six months. Mr Suri runs a successful private legal practice.

Source: Solomonstar