by Michelle Amba – EM TV News, Port Moresby
President of PNG Law Society, Peter Kuman, says the auditing of private law firm accounts is a pre-condition for renewing their licenses.
Mr. Kuman was responding to comments made by Chairman of Taskforce Sweep, Sam Koim, about lawyers trust accounts used as vehicles of money laundering.
The President said those comments by Koim are incorrect and this should not apply to loyal lawyers who uphold the legal profession.
This comes after two prominent lawyers made comments in a secret video recording aired on Australia’s SBS Dateline program.
After releasing a statement last week, PNG Law Society’s president, Peter Kuman, agreed to be interviewed.
Kuman is also the owner and principal of Kuman Lawyers.
He responded to remarks made by Chairman of Taskforce Sweep, Sam Koim, last week.
He says the society is not responsible for ensuring that lawyers maintain their professionalism however, has a responsibility to respect and protect rights of its members.
The president said the council members have passed a number of resolutions on the serious comments made by the two prominent lawyers however, he said people should take into consideration that no crime has been committed.
When welcoming the Prime Minister’s call for an investigation, Mr. Kuman requested to be part of the investigation team to represent the interest of the two lawyers. He said has a duty towards its members including the two lawyers.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, has called for an investigation into the comments made by the lawyers.
The Prime Minister in a statement said PNG is part of the global legal and economic system where illegal practices of the past can be identified and dealt with.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ktq_O6XCYic%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
