Tasion prepares to file appeal

The National Main Stories

SELF-MADE Papua New Guinean multi-millionaire Sam Tasion says he respects the National Court’s decision that he repays more than K3 million to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
However, Tasion said he would exercise his legal right to file an appeal with the Supreme Court against the Oct 28 National Court’s decision.
Tasion, who is Tasion Group chairman, told the media yesterday: “(While) we (Tasion Group) respect the National Court’s decision, we will appeal the case on Dec 5 and cooperate with the courts.”
Freeway Motors is part of the Tasion Group and has been in operation for more than 35 years.
“This company, like many other companies that are owned by locals, have provided jobs for thousands of Papua New Guineans,” he said.
“Tasion Group did not start yesterday. Many who are successful today in business and other development sectors in the country once worked with us.
“We are proud of their successes and will continue to give opportunities to our people.
“We believe in small medium enterprises and continue to support other local companies in the country. We will continue to invest in projects and help our people.
“We are a national company, a partner in nation-building. We have until Dec 5 to appeal our case and our lawyers are acting on the appeal submission now.
“Any court decision is a court decision and it stands. We would like to thank our valued customers over the years for supporting a local company.
“Let us work together on providing solutions to our country,” he added.
The National reported yesterday that Justice Ambeng Kandakasi, had in a 22-page written judgment, ordered Tasion and Freeway Motors to pay K3,095,295 by way of reimbursement to NBC, and interest at eight per cent.
NBC, State-owned broadcaster, sued Tasion and Freeway Motors to recover K4,626,845 it paid to Tasion Group Holding Ltd trading as Freeway Motors.
NBC filed the suit because Tarsion and Freeway Motors had failed to honour contractual obligations to deliver 27 Toyota Hilux vehicles which had been paid in full.