Mirisim fined K500 for giving wrong birth dates of wife, kids

DEFENCE Minister and Telefomin MP Solan Mirisim was fined K500 for giving wrong information regarding his wife and children’s birth dates.
Justice Les Gavara Nanu, as the chairman of a leadership tribunal at the Waigani National Court yesterday, said there were no reasonable reasons why the leader had provided wrong birth dates for his wife and children twice in different annual statements.
The information was stated in the 2011 to 2012 and 2012 to 2013 statements.
Justice Nanu said: “I accept Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin’s submission that there was a relevant recklessness in the misinformation of annual statement provided by Mirisim. The case referred to section four and subsection one of the organic law regarding responsibilities to leaders.
“Leaders are expected to provide truthful and clear information on the annual statements.
“Mirisim was charged with 22 allegations, he pleaded guilty to only one.
“Three were struck out on Aug 1 and 18, dismissed on Nov 17 which was all related to misconduct in office.
“We accept submission made by lawyer representing Mirism, Greg Sheppard, that the leader had pleaded guilty and it was a careless and reckless mistake.”
The tribunal ordered Mirisim’s suspension to be lifted as soon as his fine was paid at the National Court registry.
A certified copy of the receipt is to be presented to Ombudsman Commission and the Speaker of Parliament before resuming his official duties, Justice Nanu said.
Magistrates Josephine Kilage and Mark Selefkariu were members of the tribunal.