PNG PM Somare probe delayed

A probe into alleged misconduct by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare has been stalled until a legal challenge is resolved in court.

Lawyers for Somare have applied for an injunction to halt an Ombudsman Commission investigation into alleged irregularities in the prime minister's personal finances.

The application was adjourned to May 15 to allow Kerenga Kua, representing Somare, to read a submission by lawyers for PNG's ombudsman.

Charles Mendi, representing the ombudsman, questioned whether Somare's injunction application was valid.

But he said the investigation would be suspended until the issue was resolved.

PNG's ombudsman wants to probe a range of misconduct claims against Somare, some dating back 16 years.

PNG's National newspaper has reported allegations that Somare failed to lodge information about his assets, income and business connections, or that he filed late or incompletely.

Some allegations date back to 1992, and others relate to periods up until 2004.

If the inquiry can be resumed and finds official misconduct occurred, Somare could face a leadership tribunal comprising judges or magistrates.

The National reported Somare's lawyers had been corresponding with the ombudsman since 2006 about statements that may have been filed late, incompletely or not at all.

It's understood Somare's lawyers will argue the allegations are too old to be valid and will question the motives behind any investigation.

Somare's legal team also says there are legitimate reasons why some information may have been late or incomplete.

They say the prime minister moved house a number of times during the period in question, held different political positions, and personal staff responsible for the information forms had left his office.

This is not the first time Somare has resisted public scrutiny of his actions.

A PNG inquiry last year found Somare had ordered the military to aid the escape of wanted Australian lawyer Julian Moti to the Solomon Islands and recommended the prime minister be charged.

Australia had been seeking Moti's extradition when he fled PNG.

Somare consistently denied sanctioning the flight and fought unsuccessfully to have the inquiry's report declared null and void in the courts.

He has not been charged in connection with Moti's flight.