Scandal Rocks PNG Icac: Whistle-blowers Reveal Infighting and Excessive Pay
Scandal has engulfed Papua New Guinea's Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac), as whistle-blowers expose allegations of internal power struggles and inflated executive salaries. The claims have prompted Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua to call for the immediate removal of Commissioner Andrew Forbes, along with Deputy Commissioners Daniel Baulch and Graham Gill.
Reports from insiders describe a workplace plagued by infighting, bloated wages exceeding Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines, favoritism, misconduct, double standards, toxic leadership, and actions that compromise Icac's anti-corruption mandate.
 |
| Scandal Rocks PNG Icac: Whistle-blowers Reveal Infighting and Excessive Pay |
Kua’s demand followed his review of information highlighting ongoing discord among the commissioners. He expressed full confidence in the authenticity of the details he had obtained and maintained his stance based on the provided evidence.
The committee responsible for appointing Icac commissioners is chaired by Prime Minister James Marape and includes the Opposition Leader, Chief Justice, Public Services Commission Chairman, and PNG Council of Churches Chairman. A request for a response from Marape’s office regarding Kua’s statements went unanswered, although the Prime Minister had reaffirmed on Friday that the Government remained committed to strengthening Icac as the primary anti-corruption body. He had encouraged both citizens and international partners to back Icac’s mission.
Kua stressed that the prolonged dysfunction within Icac was preventing progress in the fight against corruption. He argued that the public continued to suffer under widespread financial crimes while commissioners focused on personal grievances and legal battles. He emphasized that the national interest outweighed individual disputes and insisted that significant progress against corruption would not be achieved while the current leadership remained.
Having served as a former Attorney-General, Kua noted his past support for the drafting and passage of the Icac Bill into law. He lamented that, despite Parliament enabling Icac’s establishment after four decades of effort, the commission had shown little operational progress. He warned that continued mismanagement would further tarnish Icac’s credibility.
Kua called on Marape to dismiss Forbes and his deputies, allowing for a complete reset of Icac’s leadership. He asserted that qualified Papua New Guineans with integrity and merit were available to assume those roles and restore public confidence in the anti-corruption body.
Also read
Post a Comment