The 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 the acting DPP position, which he held for a brief period of five weeks.
The announcement was made by acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva on Wednesday. Previously, Leung had advised Rabuku to step down from the acting DPP position after the Supreme Court deemed his appointment ‘ineligible.’
Leung emphasized that under 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 position; and not one made by the Judicial Services Commission or the Attorney-General.” He also highlighted that there was no legal obligation for consultation or approval from his office regarding these appointments.
Additionally, Leung noted that if the acting DPP were to take leave, it does not automatically mean that the deputy would take over the responsibilities.