PNG PM Marape Breaks Silence on Icac Crisis – Government Moves to Contain Fallout
PNG Prime Minister James Marape has broken his silence on the turmoil within the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac), acknowledging internal struggles and pledging government intervention to restore its effectiveness.
Marape admitted that Icac has faced operational challenges since its establishment but described them as "teething issues." He assured that the Government is committed to ensuring Icac becomes a fully functional institution dedicated to fighting corruption rather than engaging in internal disputes.
His remarks follow a public call by Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua for the resignation of Icac Commissioner Andrew Forbes, along with Deputy Commissioners Daniel Baulch and Graham Gill. Kua accused the agency’s leadership of infighting, mismanagement, and fostering a toxic workplace culture.
According to Kua, whistleblowers have documented a series of concerning issues, including excessive executive salaries that surpass Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) determinations, favoritism, double standards, and behaviors that contradict Icac’s core mandate. These claims were made after Kua reviewed information regarding internal tensions among the commissioners.
Icac’s commissioners are appointed by a committee chaired by the prime minister, alongside key figures such as the opposition leader, chief justice, chairman of the Public Services Commission, and chairman of the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches.
Marape, who leads the committee, confirmed that an urgent meeting would be held today to address the ongoing issues within Icac.
“I chair the committee, but all members have equal voices in decision-making, including Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Cardinal Sir John Ribat representing the churches, and the Public Service appointment chairman,” Marape stated.
The government’s intervention comes as pressure mounts on Icac’s leadership to either reform or step aside, with concerns growing over its ability to fulfill its anti-corruption mandate amid internal strife.
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