A-G Cautions Lawyers on Character
Lawyers have been encouraged to build their character to pursue integrity. And, the advice came from the Attorney-General Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum while closing the 7th annual National Corporate Staff Workshop held at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Natadola, over the weekend. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said that despite the changing times, there were values that still needed to be etched in everyone.
“I went to someone’s funeral and people generally talk and when they do, they don’t say ‘the person who died had five cars and a big house. People talk about your character. So always remember, it is very important to have a high level of integrity as a professional but also for your own level of selfsatisfaction,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
The Attorney-General said that as lawyers, people from different walks of life sought their legal help and lawyers needed to maintain their impartiality.
“Some trade unionists a few days ago made some comments about the judiciary. It was completely unwarranted. But it was still made. So when someone walks in through the door they are a potential client of yours, you must do that professionally, independently and follow the proper rules that are laid out in your organisational procedures,“Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“That will ultimately mean that you are being professional. It will ultimately mean that no one can point a finger at you. That will give you your personal professional integrity.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum called on the legal professionals to continue doing the excellent work they have been doing in providing much needed assistance to the grassroots people of Fiji.
“Some of them don’t understand what is happening around them. Some of them don’t understand the language in the documents that they have. So you need to have that level of empathy. Just try and place yourself in their shoes,” Mr SayedKaiyum said.
“It’s important that you understand the importance of your role. That’s the purpose of legal aid.”
Given that elections are around the corner, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum called on the lawyers to stand firm and not be swayed by opinions. “We have elections this year and sometimes when it is election time, everything becomes political. You must be able to step aside from that. You must be able to assess and assist people as you would any other person. Don’t get influenced by people’s opinion and their political ideals,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said. “You have the right to have your own communication. But you have to ensure that you don’t get influenced by it. Don’t bring it to work. You are independent people. You are professionals working in a growing organisation.”