Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku has responded strongly to Attorney-General Graham Leung and Fiji Law Society president Wylie Clarke, emphasizing his commitment to stepping down from his role as mandated by the Supreme Court last week.
“Both Mr Leung and Mr Clarke are not the Judicial Service Commission,” Rabuku stated. “Their public calls for my resignation are an attempt to usurp the JSC’s role in this matter.
“The JSC understands its responsibilities and has already coordinated with me on a way forward following two meetings this week. There is a structured process in place that needs to be followed to ensure that the Office of the DPP continues to function effectively under my leadership and that my exit is as smooth as possible for the staff and all stakeholders.”
Rabuku stressed that his personal opinion on the Supreme Court ruling is irrelevant, and he will comply with the court’s directive.
“Importantly, the Supreme Court’s opinion is not an order for me to vacate my office. This underscores the need for the JSC to carry out the correct procedures, instead of me resigning arbitrarily, which could create unnecessary chaos in a prosecution process that we, as an office, have diligently worked to improve and maintain over the past few months since my acting appointment.”
He underscored the importance for senior lawyers to fully understand the Supreme Court’s opinion.
“It is also crucial for senior lawyers to recognize their roles within the justice system. From these specific roles and their mandates stem the basis for making public comments on important issues that impact the legal profession, the justice system, the rule of law, and public opinion. This responsibility calls for greater accountability.”
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