Transparency International Papua New Guinea says it hopes more cases of misuse of public funds will be brought to court, following the conviction of a national MP.
The Governor of Gulf Province, Havila Kavo, has been found guilty of misusing nearly US$53,000 from a LNG pipeline trust account belonging to the people of Kikori district for infrastructure.
The deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika said Kavo was dishonest in his application of the funds for personal use.
TI PNG's chairman Lawrence Stephens says such misuse is not uncommon.
"When you look at the amount involved and when you listen to stories of much larger amounts that still have to be accoutned for involving other leaders, one is hoping that this is a sign that the legal system is working and the judicial system is working, that we should be able to look forward to many more people facing their day in court."
Havila Kavo is to be sentenced next month.
