Ano Pala expressed surprised at Polye's attack on public prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin over constitutional issues before the Supreme Court, saying it amounted to misconduct.

"Mr Polye's attack on Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin in the handling of a matter that is still before the court to determine, as reported in the media, is quite vitriolic and unbecoming of a leader," he said.

"It is not only defamatory, it is also contemptuous as the actions of the Public Prosecutor are the basis of the reference that is going before the Supreme Court to determine."

Pala added that criticism of the government and its decisions was an important part of the democratic process, but said that casting doubt on the integrity and impartiality of people in public institutions was a step too far.

"Institutions and offices like the Public Prosecutor and other officers that represent the court and our judicial system need our support, and not be put in the public spotlight by media comments that call into question their impartiality, or demeans the integrity or credibility of the office they hold," he said.

He furthered that Polye should withdraw his comments and apologise to Kaluwin.