The prosecuting attorney of any county is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint an assistant prosecuting attorney. The appointment shall be in writing and filed with the clerk of his or her county.

     Any such assistant prosecuting attorney shall hold his office during the pleasure of the prosecuting attorney appointing him, perform any and all duties pertaining to the office of prosecuting attorney at such time or times as he may be required so to do by the prosecuting attorney and during the absence or disability from any cause of the prosecuting attorney, but he shall be subject to all the legal disqualifications and disabilities of the prosecuting attorney, and shall before entering upon the duties of his office take and subscribe the oath of office prescribed by the constitution of this state and file the same with the county clerk of his county. The compensation of any such assistant prosecuting attorney shall be paid by the prosecuting attorney appointing him.

     This act shall not be construed as repealing any general or local act heretofore passed providing for the appointment, powers, duties or compensation of assistant prosecuting attorneys of any counties.