Opposition MP Premila Kumar has expressed concerns regarding the appointment of John Rabuku as the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions. Kumar highlighted that Rabuku was previously suspended and fined for professional misconduct by the Independent Legal Services Commission, calling the appointment troubling.
She noted that the recent acknowledgment of this appointment by the new Attorney General, who serves as the Government’s chief legal adviser, is particularly alarming, as it was not sanctioned by the Judicial Services Commission or the Attorney General’s office.
“This raises serious questions about the integrity and credibility of our justice system,” Kumar stated. She emphasized that the decision signifies a decline in standards regarding the rigorous vetting processes that should assess past disciplinary actions.
Kumar warned that such an appointment could undermine public trust in legal and prosecutorial operations. She questioned whether the vetting process for such a vital role was thorough and transparent, arguing that appointing someone with a questionable background conveys a negative impression about the importance of ethical standards within the legal sector.
She further asked how the public can be expected to adhere to the rule of law when those responsible for maintaining it have faltered. Kumar also raised suspicions about potential favoritism, inquiring if this appointment benefited connections and loyalties, particularly suggesting it could be linked to the Acting DPP’s promotion influenced by Rabuku.
Kumar pointed out the disparity in standards, noting that candidates for civil service positions typically undergo stringent police clearance and character checks, which seemed to have been overlooked in this case. She concluded by emphasizing the need for a careful review of this appointment, highlighting the importance of preserving public confidence in the justice system for its future integrity.