Suspension lifted, Pruaitch back in House as MP

SPEAKER Job Pomat has confirmed that Aitape-Lumi MP Patrick Pruaitch has resumed office after his suspension as an MP was lifted.
Pruaitch was referred to a Leadership Tribunal over allegations of misconduct in office but cleared of all except three which he was fined for.
Pomat told Parliament yesterday that Pruaitch’s suspension was lifted after he paid a fine of K3,000 in compliance with the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of the Leadership.
“The tribunal advised that Patrick Pruaitch had pleaded guilty to the allegations relating to the late submissions of his annual returns,” he said.
“The tribunal recommended to the appropriate authority a fine of K1,000 for each of the proven allegations and was fined a total of K3,000.
“And having paid the fine, his suspension was lifted and he resumed the office of the Member for Aitape-Lumi Open electorate,” Pomat said.
Meanwhile, Pomat welcomed newly elected Goroka MP Aiye Tambua to his first parliament session