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Manus MP referred to watchdog

MEMBER for Manus Open, Ronnie Knight has been referred by the Ombudsman Commission to the Public Prosecutors Office for alleged misconduct in office.

The Ombudsman Commission in a statement did not elaborate on the nature of the allegations but said it has investigated the alleged misconduct in office by Ronny Knight which arises from his failure in upholding his duties and responsibilities of office as required under Section 27 of the Constitution and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.

Mr Knight, was issued his right to be heard notice on 24 January 2014 and he responded to the allegations on 11 February 2014.

The Commission deliberated on the matter and is satisfied, for the purpose of Section 29(1) of the Constitution and Sections 17(d), 20(4) and 27(1) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership (Organic Law), that there is a prima facie case that Mr Knight, has been guilty of misconduct in office.

On 8 July 2014 the Commission informed Mr Knight, in accordance with Section 20(2) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership, that he will be referred to the Public Prosecutor and accordingly, under Section 29(1) of the Constitution and Sections 17(d), 20(4) and 27(1) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership, the Ombudsman Commission referred the leader to the Public Prosecutor.

The Public Prosecutor has the discretion to bring or decline to bring proceedings under the Leadership Code for alleged misconduct in office in accordance with Section 177(1) of the Constitution.

ONE PNG / Post Courier 
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