Clean up before it brings disrepute: Chaudhry

The on-going disgraceful drama at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is not only bringing disrepute to the DPP’s office but is reflecting badly on government leadership.

This was the statement made by Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry.

Mr Chaudhry claimed that for almost a year now, the office has been the centre of controversy marred by illegal appointments, defiance of the law and now a ‘rebellion against authority’.

He said it all began with the unconstitutional appointment in October 2023 of John Rabuku as acting DPP.

A subsequent Supreme Court opinion obtained by the State found Rabuku’s appointment unlawful because of his previous conviction for professional misconduct.

Mr Chaudhry said the failure of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to intervene decisively at the time, allowed the rot at the ODPP to fester.

“Now we have this latest drama with the pair attempting to obstruct the return of Christopher Pryde as DPP by filing complaints at the eleventh hour against him with Commissioner FICAC Malimali who herself is under scrutiny by a Commission of Inquiry,” Mr Chaudhry said.

“Last year when the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali raised public ire and dissent, PM Rabuka referred to the need to “flush out the rot” behind her appointment.

“We believe this rot has insidiously infiltrated other institutions of the government – the ODPP, JSC and the Justice Ministry.

“It is now for the PM and the Attorney General to initiate constitutional processes to clean up these institutions to save any further embarrassment to government, not to mention aspersions on their leadership.”

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