Attorney-General Ano Pala

Ronald John Webb and Pala returned for mention on Monday before the Committal Court before Magistrate John Kaumi, asking the court to discharge the three information charging Pala.

Pala was arrested and charged on Nov 2, 2015, with one count of defeating the course of justice, perverting the course of justice and abuse of office. He was released on K6,000 bail the same day.

The special reference was by Pala on March 17 this year over Constitutional questions however, he went to court on Monday seeking leave to amend the reference and reduce the number of questions down to two.

The special reference or matters in dispute were referred by the Attorney-General for the high court to interpret sections 197 and 198 of the Constitution and section 146 of the Police Act.

Pala is the Member for Parliament representing the people of Rigo district in Central Province.

Former attorney-general and Sinasina-Yongomugl MP, Kerenga Kua said: “He is innocent until the Court proceeding is completed.

“However, as a leader sitting in public office, a different standing is expected from him because this is the second criminal charge.

“He must do the right thing to give confidence to the office he holds,” Kua said.