Opposition Member of Parliament, Premila Kumar, has expressed serious concerns regarding the appointment of John Rabuku as the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, citing his prior suspension from practice and fines for professional misconduct imposed by the Independent Legal Services Commission.
Kumar emphasized her unease that the new Attorney General, the government’s chief legal advisor, endorsed this appointment, especially since it was not sanctioned by the Judicial Services Commission or the Attorney General’s office.
She stated, “This raises significant questions about the integrity and credibility of our justice system. It is evident that the standards for a rigorous vetting process to review past disciplinary records are being lowered.” Kumar warned that such hiring decisions could compromise public trust in legal and prosecutorial processes.
“Was the vetting for this crucial position thorough and transparent? Appointing someone with a problematic history conveys a troubling message to the public—that ethical standards are no longer prioritized in our legal institutions,” she remarked.
Kumar further questioned how the public could be expected to uphold the rule of law when those in charge of enforcing it have faltered. She also raised concerns about potential favoritism: “Is this appointment a case of connections and loyalty? Was this a repayment by the Acting DPP, who was promoted by Rabuku when he stepped down as acting DPP?”
She pointed out the discrepancy in standards: “Anyone applying for a civil service position must undergo a rigorous process of police clearance and character checks, which seems to have been disregarded in this instance.”
Kumar stressed that this appointment significantly impacts the future of the justice system and called for a thorough examination to ensure that it does not undermine public confidence in the justice system.