Tobias Kulang

A video recording taken on July 3 during the election period will be used in the election petition trial, which will be heard next year.

A four-day trial was set by the Waigani National Court today for the petition that was filed by former MP Tobias Kulang.

The trial will be held at the Kundiawa National Court building from April 3.

Two objections that were filed challenging the competency of the petition will also be heard at the commencement of the trial.

With years of experience in the private sector, Tammur said he will instill timeliness and constant reporting to ensure government priorities are implemented.

Tammur said this when speaking during a hand-over, take-over ceremony hosted on Wednesday by the Tourism Authority Promotion (TPA) to welcome Tammur and farewell former Minister, Tobias Kulang.

He said a briefing will be held immediately where a review of policy and operational manuals will be done.

In a media conference in Port Moresby on Wednesday night, Kulang said he will fight the charge as well as another accusation that he incited a riot.

A remorseful Kulang stated the deaths could have been avoided if a genuine court order had been followed by the court officials for the Kundiawa-Gembogl Electorate.

“The police are yet to complete their file on the matter and is still pending in court now so I will not comment further. But from the outset, I wish to state here that I deny these charges and I will vigorously defend myself in court to clear my name.

Gamato approved a dead man’s signature

The PNG Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, has accepted an Election Writ signed by a deceased returning officer.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/gamato-approved-dead-man%E2%80%99s-signature-64185

Gamato comes clear on using deceased’s name

His bail application has been filed at the Goroka National Court.

The former MP for Kundiawa-Gembogl was charged with two counts; one count for unlawful killing under section 299 of the Criminal Code Act and the other count for taking part in a riot, under section 65 of the Criminal Code Act.

Kulang made an appearance at the Goroka Committal Court on Wednesday for his first mention.

Presiding Magistrate, Gerald Wetunawa, however adjourned the matter to the 18th of August to allow police to compile the necessary files.

The incident occurred at around 7am on Sunday.

A source told TVWAN news that supporters of sitting MP Tobias Kulang tried to enter the counting centre when they were stopped by members of the public, which then led to a big fight.

Provincial Police Commander, Alex N’Drasal, confirmed that Kulang is in police custody in Goroka, firstly for his own safety, and to wait out his court hearing.

PPC N’Drasal said Kulang’s first court appearance this morning did not eventuate because there was no judge to see to it.

Minister Kulang said the name Kokoda, not only symbolises a significant part of our war history but that of our neighbours in Australia and the name also remains synonymous with the rest of the world.  

“Kokoda remains a flagship tourism product for PNG and by naming its latest Fokker 70 Kokoda, the Board and Management of Air Niugini have given more meaning and significance to the idles and values that define the history of the battle of Kokoda,” said Mr Kulang.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tobias Kulang, told Loop PNG he is disappointed that his colleague Minister spoke against the Government.

Minister Kulang said if Pruaitch had an issue with the management of the economy, he should’ve spoken a long time ago and not on the eve of the elections.

“My question is, is he genuine? If he’s genuine he should’ve done that a long time ago.

“Now it’s just days away from the issuance of the writs so, I don’t know whether he’s truly genuine.

In a luncheon today hosted by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Tobias Kulang says NEC has approved an incentive framework for the Paga Hill estate.

He said a State negotiation team, including members of the Departments of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Trade, Commerce and Industry, will now engage with the developer on specific terms.

“This bold move is demonstrative of Government’s strategy to pursue foreign investment, create jobs and stimulate economy.”

Currently, the tourism industry in PNG contributes less than 2% to PNG’s GDP and is way below the regional average of 20%.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tobias Kulang said this during the launch of the Tourism Policing Concept that the underperformance of this important industry is due to many factors and one of the leading factors is law and order.

“PNG is ranked as one of the dangerous places on earth and there is a lingering stigma in the minds if the international community.”