Criticism of embassy in Beijing unfounded

The letter to the Editor (The National Feb 8) “Pepson has nothing to show” by the nameless frustrated, diplomat in Port Moresby who made unsubstantiated allegations against acting secretary Gabriel Pepson and myself smacks of the author’s sour grapes.
Before my posting to China, serious allegations about PNG diplomats in Beijing accepting money under the table for visas were rife in PNG and China.
So when I got here I directed the officers to clean up their act and refrain from involvement in any illegal and unethical activities that had tarnished the image of the Embassy in the past.
On one occasion, I personally intervened and stopped illegal money being given for visa service.
Many people have complained to me that such irregular practices were quite common with the officers responsible for migration and visa matters in Kundu Beijing before my arrival.
I can quite categorically state that the claim by the frustrated diplomat that the number of “Chinese ‘illegal tourists’ have more than doubled to 200 a month” since I was posted here is a blatant lie.
If illegal tourists are finding their way to Papua New Guinea from China, it is not because of our doing.
I also ordered that an inventory be taken of all State assets in the embassy office and in all embassy staff accommodation.
Unfortunately the response from the officers was at best superficial and therefore unsatisfactory.
For purposes of transparency and accountability, I highly recommend that an appropriate investigation be carried out at the embassy.
I find it ironical and farcical that the frustrated diplomat accused my family of abusing the so called “once highly respected Chancery Office” when in fact it was the unprincipled and unscrupulous behaviour and corrupt practices of certain officers that brought great shame and disgrace to Papua New Guinea.
In my long years of service as a public office holder my family has never abused any priviledges accorded to us.
 

John Momis
PNG Ambassador to China
Beijing