23 Aug 2005

PNG minister Temu faces tribunal for alleged misconduct

3:38 pm on 23 August 2005

A Papua New Guinea cabinet minister Puka Temu has been referred to the public prosecutor by the Ombudsman Commission for alleged misconduct in office.

Dr Temu, who is the lands minister, is alleged to have failed to submit four annual statements detailing his assets, income and business connections as required of a public leader under PNG law.

The Chief Ombudsman, Ila Geno, said in a statement the commission was of the view there was a prima facie case that Dr Temu was guilty of misconduct in office.

The Commission says Dr Temu had ignored friendly reminders time and again to furnish annual statements.

Under PNG's Organic Law a person subject to the country's Leadership Code who fails to cooperate with the commission to the best of his or her ability is guilty of misconduct in office.