PNG Public Service Minister Sir Puka Temu denies allegations

Public Service Minister and Member for Abau Open Sir Puka Temu has denied allegations levelled against him by the Ombudsman Commission.

The Commission referred Sir Puka to the Public Prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office under the Leadership Code.

The first allegation relates to the facilitation and allocation of a piece of state land to a group in Western Highlands when he was Lands Minister in the Somare-Temu Government.

The second allegation refers to a road contract awarded by the Abau Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee, allegedly to a company owned by a close relative of Sir Puka.

Sir Puka said the first allegation the aggrieved party took the matter to the court and the court had dealt with and was ruled in his favour and the evidences have been submitted to the Commission.

He said he strongly denies the two allegations. While denying the allegations, Sir Puka challenged the Ombudsman Commission to name the persons putting pressure on the commission to investigate and refer Members of Parliament to the Public Prosecutor.

He said he was told by the Chief Ombudsman Rigo Lua during his appearance at the Commission last week Tuesday that the Commission is being pressured by people to investigate and refer the leaders.

He said Mr Lua's statement casts serious doubts about the integrity and independence of the Commission and he should come out and reveal the names of the persons who are putting pressure on the commission.

Sir Puka said the commission is supposed to be an independent body not subject to direction, control or undue influence and must make decisions to refer leaders only on merit. PNG Today /NBC