Papua New Guinea's Health Minister Sir Puka Temu has been referred to the Public Prosecutor for alleged misconduct.
PNG's Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Sir Puka Temu. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Johnny Blades
In a statement, PNG's Ombudsman Commission says it made the referral after investigating the MP and issued a statement today confirming charges of misconduct in office against him.
It says the charges against him relate to his alleged "failure in upholding his duties and responsibilities of office" as required by the Constitution and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.
No other details about the alleged misconduct are provided.
The referral is in the hands of the Public Prosecutor who has the discretion to bring or decline to bring proceedings under the Leadership Code for alleged misconduct in office.
Sir Puka was appointed as Health Minister only last week, shifting from the Bougainville Affairs portfolio.
The Abau MP has been health Minister once previously.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Provincial Administrator, Marc Orisuru Avai, has also been referred by the Ombudsman to the Public Prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office.
Sir Puka's electorate is Abau is in Central Province.