Del. Lentcer Basilius in a letter to Attorney General Ernestine Rengiil said that recent events involving the state have strengthened concerns on the issue.
“I have concerns about the Melekeok State government lack of transparency and about potential mismanagement of state funds,” Basilius said.
He added that in the past the Attorney General’s Office has assumed temporary oversight of the state government finances when allegations of state financial mismanagement have been brought up.
“I am writing now to seek your assistance and to inquire what steps need to be taken to obtain this necessary oversight and support for Melekeok State,” Basilius said in his letter.
Former Melekeok State GovernorKodep was sentencedto five years imprisonment in Koror jail, all suspended except for six months, and a fine of US$10,000 for one count of misuse of public funds and one count of misconduct in public office. The amount to be restituted, however, is still to be determined.
Kodep was accused of converting public funds to his own use on at least 100 occasions between 2003 and 2007.
On February 22, Kodep has pleaded guilty to one count of misuse of public funds and one count of misconduct in public office. In return, the government has agreed to dismiss the money laundering case against him.
Prior to the sentencing, Kodep has stepped down from his post leaving a vacancy. A special election to fill in the vacancy is set on May 4.
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