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Two Papua New Guinea government ministers accused of misconduct

Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman Commission has recommended two more government ministers face leadership tribunals over allegations of misconduct in office.

Minister for public service Sir Puka Temu and minister for public enterprise and state investments Ben Micah have both been accused of failing to uphold the duties of office.

The ombudsman has referred their cases to the public prosecutor, who will decide if leadership tribunals are appropriate.

Leaders found to have abused their power can be suspended or dismissed by the ad hoc quasi-legal tribunals.

The ombudsman did not explain what sparked the allegations of misconduct against Sir Temu and Mr Micah.

The referrals are just the latest in a string of activity by the ombudsman against high profile figures in Papua New Guinea.

PNG's minister for tourism, arts and culture, Boka Kondra, faced a leadership tribunal last month, as did Manus Island MP Ronnie Knight.

The country's prime minister Peter O'Neill was also accused of misconduct after he approved a $1.3 billion loan to buy Oil Search shares for the government.

Mr O'Neil has mounted a legal challenge against his referral to a leadership tribunal.