Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) is calling for the preservation of the independence of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) from political influence following the recent internal issue faced by the anti-corruption body.
According to TIPNG, keeping the ICAC out of political influence is crucial to restoring public confidence and ensuring it can deliver its mandate.
In a media statement released today following reports of administrative issues within the ICAC, TIPNG is calling for the constitutional basis for the ICAC’s functions to investigate, arrest and prosecute corrupt conduct in Papua New Guinea (PNG), to be protected and not fall to political control.
TIPNG Chair Mr. Peter Aitsi underscored the importance of ICAC’s distance from politics and its administrative matters.
“From the information emerging, the issues affecting the organization could be tussle for power amongst the leadership of the ICAC and seem largely administrative in nature. Papua New Guineans are justifiably right to be disappointed as we expected a greater degree of professionalism and better conduct from senior people who were appointed to a publicly funded entity such as ICAC,” said Mr. Aitsi in the statement.
“They were all senior and experienced individuals who should have been able to resolve these issues among themselves, rather than impacting the operations of the institution under their care.”
“In light of the circumstances it is important to remember that the fundamental objective of all concerned citizens is to ensure ICAC is free of political influence. While the individual office holders might have issues, the integrity and independence of the office and its mandate must be upheld for the protection of all Papua New Guineans,” he said.
He said that from reports, the ICAC Appointments Committee has considered the findings received from the internal Government investigation Team and have made their decision in order to maintain stability of ICAC to suspend the incumbent commissioners and to appoint interim commissioners pending further investigations.
“TIPNG remains ready to support and ensure ICAC is able to fully take up its responsibilities and deliver the results our public is demanding,” said Mr. Aitsi.
The interim commissioners will be required to provide leadership and direction during this period, and it is hoped they will reinforce proper governance and provide further support to the ICAC oversight committee as they are appointed.
Meanwhile, TIPNG urges the government to assess and firmly establish the findings from their internal review team and move to conclude this matter with urgency.
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