Attorney-General Graham Leung has confirmed the appointment of John Rabuku as the new deputy Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). This announcement follows Rabuku’s recent departure from his temporary role as acting DPP five weeks ago. The appointment was made public by acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva on Wednesday.
Leung previously advised Rabuku to step down from the acting DPP position after the Supreme Court deemed his appointment “ineligible.” He emphasized that according to the Constitution, the DPP has the authority to appoint their own staff. He stated, “By law, that is a decision made by the DPP alone, or the person acting in that role, and not determined by the Judicial Services Commission or the Attorney-General.”
He also pointed out that there is no legal obligation for the acting DPP to consult him or seek his approval regarding such appointments. Furthermore, Leung clarified that just because the acting DPP takes leave, it does not automatically mean that her deputy will assume her duties.