Lelang fined K4,000 for breach

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Source:

The National, Thursday 9th May 2013

 By ADRIAN MATHIAS

A LEADERSHIP tribunal has fined Kandrian-Gloucester MP Joseph Lelang K4,000 for breaching the Leadership Code.

The tribunal chaired by Justice Salatiel Lenalia included senior magistrates Ignatius Kurei and Rosie Johnson.

Lenalia said they did not find any serious culpability in the four charges Lelang faced to dismiss him from office. 

Lelang had asked the tribunal, during submissions on a penalty last month, to have mercy on him and to fine him but not dismiss him from office as MP for Kandrian-Gloucester in West New Britain.

His lawyer Philemon Korowi, while making submissions last month on the appropriate penalty, said there was no serious culpability on the part of Lelang and that “public good and public policy” should be considered by the tribunal in deciding on the appropriate penalty.

Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin agreed that a fine would be appropriate as the case was similar to previous cases that did not warrant the dismissal from office.

However, Pondros told the tribunal that imposing a fine less than the maximum amount would send the wrong signal to other individuals covered by the Leadership Code.

While handing down the decision on penalty in Port Moresby yesterday, Lenalia said Lelang was charged with four charges in relation to the breach of Leadership Code.

The tribunal chairman imposed K1,000 fine on each of the four charges.

“The leader (Lelang) will remain suspended until the fine is paid,” Lenalia said.

He added that all leaders were covered under the Leadership Code on their roles and responsibilities and should lead by example in upholding the country’s laws.

Lelang had earlier pleaded guilty to four charges of failing to submit annual returns on time and failure to comply with the Leadership Code.

He was then the acting secretary of the National Planning and Monitoring Department between 2007 and 2009.

Tribunal member Kurei said all the four charges related to Lelang’s former role as the acting department head.

None of the charges related to his current position as the member for Kandrian-Gloucester.