The Attorney General’s Office has applied for both the President and the Attorney General to join as parties, in the matter where Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is appealing the decision of the High Court, which found that the removal of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister was unlawful.

The President has now joined as a respondent in the proceedings.

Court of Appeal Judge Justice Chandana Prematilaka, called on the AG’s Office Counsel, Grace Henao, to be more careful when filing summons, as they intend to include the AG in this matter.

Malimali’s lawyer, Samuela Savu, and Prime Minister Rabuka’s lawyer, Aaron Sen, did not object to the President being joined to the proceedings.

Justice Prematilaka stressed that a formal document must be filed requesting the Attorney General to be joined.

If that application is granted, Malimali will remain the first respondent, the President will be the second respondent, and the Attorney General will be the third respondent.

The respondents have been given until September 24th to file their respective responses to Malimali’s affidavit.

The matter has been adjourned to October 5th.