Koim’s task force challenged

By JULIA DAIA BORE
AN MP and a former MP are challenging in court the government’s decision to appoint the Special Investigation Task Force Sweep.
Former Madang Open MP Alois Kinsley filed an application in the Port Moresby National Court re­gistry.
Pomio Open MP Paul Tiensten filed his at the National Court regis­try in Kokopo, East New Britain.
The applications are similar to that filed by businessman Ere­mas Wartoto on Sept 21, who had sought the quashing of the National Executive Council decision on Aug 12 to appoint the Task Force Sweep headed by chairman Sam Koim.
The applications, because of their urgency, are expected to be scheduled for hearing today or at the court’s earliest convenience.
It is likely that Tiensten’s application, filed by his lawyers in Kokopo, could be transferred to Port Moresby for hearing because of its sensitivity, according to court sources.
Tiensten is alleged to be currently in hiding overseas after leaving the country on Sept 14.
According to Koim, he had escaped before he was interviewed by his investigating team.
It could not be established whether he is back in the country.
Tiensten is wanted by the Task Force Sweep for questioning over the K10 million development fund he was alleged to have authorised to be paid to Wartoto to purchase an aircraft.
Kinsley is wanted for questioning over the K125 million for the Kokopo local level government infrastructure allocation, which included road upgrading, water and sanitation and general maintenance allocation, according to court documents.