Sir Salamo ready

THE Commission of Inquiry into the controversial K3 billion UBS (Union Bank of Switzerland) loan is expected to begin on Sept 2, according to chairman Sir Salamo Injia.
The former Chief Justice said in a statement that the inquiry would be held at Muruk House in Port Moresby.
Sir Salamo said the inquiry was expected to take three months from the date of commencement.
He said that all administrative arrangements would be done from Aug 12-30.
Last week, Prime Minister James Marape said K4 million was allocated for the work – expected to be completed in three months.
Sam Koim, a lawyer and former chairman of the disbanded Task Force Sweep Team, was appointed principal legal counsel to assist Sir Salamo.
Marape said Sir Salamo’s appointment had been made after wider consultation and he was a man of respectable standing and integrity who would investigate the UBS loan.
Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua also said Sir Salamo had substantial experience and integrity and would do an excellent job in the inquiry.
Former Prime Minister and Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill, however, questioned Sir Salamo’s appointment as chairman of the commission.
O’Neill said the complexities of the financial transaction required a chairman with significant commercial law experience.