THERE is no need for the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, to act hastily in responding to the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) recommendations.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared this yesterday, saying the timing of any response to the JSC’s recommendations was not part of his responsibility and should be left to the appropriate constitutional office holders.
“No, that’s not part of my role,” he said.
“That is between the chief commissioner of the JSC and the President, and they can discuss it.
“JSC has made a decision, I think, and they should leave it to the President to make his own decision in response to that.”
His comments follow concerns expressed by senior members of the legal fraternity regarding the delay in the President’s response to the JSC’s recommendations.
Mr Rabuka also addressed the recent High Court decision by Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, which found that he had given what was described as unlawful advice to the President.
He said the decision had previously prompted him to reconsider whether he should appeal the ruling.
Mr Rabuka said he was weighing the court’s finding that he had provided unlawful advice to the President, something he maintains may not be entirely correct.
“I do not think that’s totally correct. But that will have to be judged by the court.”
If necessary, he said he might change his position and proceed with an appeal in order to safeguard the President and the integrity of his office.
For now, he said the process concerning the JSC’s recommendations should proceed without pressure.
“There’s no need to rush. So we just have to wait.”
