Crown Law Denies Advising PM on DPM’s Reinstatement
Cook Islands Solicitor-General Graham Leung has denied giving advice to Prime Minister Mark Brown over the reinstatement of DPM Robert Tapaitau, who is facing corruption charges.
Cook Islands SolicitorGeneral Graham Leung has denied giving advice to Prime Minister Mark Brown over the reinstatement of Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, who is facing corruption charges.
On Monday, PMBrown sent a statement to Cook Islands News, saying: “In light of Mr Tapaitau’s court hearing not expected until next year 2023 and after taking advice from the Crown Law office, and after discussing this matter with Cabinet colleagues, I have decided that we cannot leave someone suspended indefinitely, he needs to get back to work”.
However, Mr Leung in a letter to CINews, denied giving any advice to the Prime Minister on the matter.
“For the record, I wish to categorically state that no legal advice has been dispensed from the Crown Law Office or me personally about the reinstatement of the Deputy Prime Minister as was recently reported,” he said.
Leung’s letter came in response to a statement from Opposition leader Tina Browne.
Browne in her statement alleged: “PM Mark Brown has influenced Crown Law into giving unprecedented Tapaitau advantages, such as delaying his court case until 2023 to allow the Penrhyn MP to stand in this year’s general elections.