Prime Minister James Marape has come out to defend the integrity of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), stating that it will continue to do its mandated duty in fighting corruption in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The prime minister in a statement released today, states that the ICAC is here to stay, making this bold statement following public comments by two suspended Deputy Commissioners of the ICAC, reported on the media recently.

Prime Minister Marape said while every citizen — including senior officers of the law — has

the right to express opinions, public forums and media statements are not appropriate

avenues for discussing ongoing legal and administrative matters.

“As a senior officer of the law, the suspended Deputy Commissioner Daniel Baulch should

know that due process must be allowed to take its full course,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“He remains innocent until proven otherwise by the Judicial Tribunal to be established by

the Chief Justice.”

The Prime Minister clarified that the suspension and related proceedings involving the ICAC

Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners were conducted strictly under the Organic

Law on ICAC, the Constitution, and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of

Leadership.

“This is not a political issue or a government decision — it is a matter arising from allegations

and counter-allegations among the three senior officers themselves,” he said.

“An administrative inquiry was properly conducted by a competent panel led by the Secretary for the National Judicial Staff Services, with the State Solicitor and the Secretary to the National Executive Council as members.”

Prime Minister Marape expressed disappointment with the senior officers of ICAC, who

were appointed to lead the fight against corruption but were instead engaged in fighting each other.

He added that the suspended officer is free to pursue the matter in court if he feels aggrieved. But the ICAC will remain steadfast.

“ICAC was established under my leadership — a vision I revived and legislated in 2020 after

decades of inaction,” the Prime Minister said.

“Why would I undermine the very institution I

helped create? We are strengthening ICAC, not weakening it.”

“My government has given ICAC unprecedented support, totaling more than K60 million to

date,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “This is a massive show of confidence and political will,

yet we are still waiting for them to put a score on the board.”

He further clarified that suspended Deputy Commissioner of ICAC Daniel Baulch

remains suspended with full pay pending the outcome of the tribunal process.