PNG Chief secretary calls for evidence

People with allegations on corruption within the Government should come forward and give their evidence, says the Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc.

He said a lot of progress has been made by the government in the fight against corruption, but these efforts are being undermined by people making wild allegations and innuendos in the mainstream and social media, and on the streets, about recent government decisions.

"The awarding of road contracts, the purchase of power generators, and a number of other government decisions have attracted criticisms and allegations about due process being breached, bribery being paid, commissions being made, and so forth," Sir Manasupe said in a statement yesterday.

"I respect people’s right to free speech, to criticize government decisions, and to debate policies in the public forum.

"But if you are going to raise serious allegations about wrongful conduct, about the law being broken, you must back that up with evidence, and provide it to the appropriate agencies to investigate."

The Chief Secretary is also the chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Task Force, which was instrumental in setting up the Sweep Team, and now spearheading the setting up of Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and other anti-corruption initiatives like the whistle-blower and freedom of information legislations.