Attorney General Gabriel Suri rejects former Justice Minister Clezy Rore’s allegations, defending his appointment and salary.
Attorney General Gabriel Suri has rejected allegations made by former Justice Minister Clezy Rore, calling them false and misleading.
Speaking today, Mr Suri said the issues were never raised with him directly during his appointment.
“I would have addressed this immediately if the former Minister had raised it officially with me,” Mr Suri said. “Instead, I was welcomed into the role and even hosted a welcome party by the former Minister.”
He said raising the matter now, rather than at the time, undermines the credibility of the claims.
Mr Suri also addressed questions on remuneration.
He explained that externally recruited Solicitors General and Legal Drafters are paid at higher rates.
Because of this, he believes the Attorney General’s salary should serve as a benchmark when government reviews pay for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Solicitor, judges and magistrates.
“The responsibility to review and adjust those salaries lies with Government, not with me personally,” he said.
Mr Suri clarified the difference between a permanent career Attorney General and a contracted Attorney General. Only a contracted Attorney General has the right to negotiate remuneration.
He confirmed his own contract was negotiated with the Secretary to Cabinet [STC] and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet [DSTC], with the STC signing on behalf of Government.
Mr Suri said the shift to a contracted Attorney General model began when former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare dismissed then-Attorney General Primo Afeau and appointed Julian Moti.
“That decision fundamentally changed the structure of the office,” he said.
“I stand by the terms of my contract. It was negotiated in good faith and accepted by Government.”
SOURCE// GCU PRESS RELEASE
