Corruption watchdog calls on MPs to support antigraft bill

CORRUPTION watchdog Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is calling on members of parliament (MPs) to ensure that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Bill creates a fully empowered entity that is able to actively fight corruption.
“The Government of Papua New Guinea has made a concerted effort since the gazetting of the ICAC Bill in October 2019, to enact this vital anti-corruption measure in 2020, and for their progress they should be rightfully commended,” TIPNG chairman Peter Aitsi said.
“All Papua New Guineans who value good governance will be watching closely to see if the proposed ICAC will have the full powers of investigation, arrest and prosecution required to be effective in addressing the scourge of corruption.
“TIPNG welcomes Prime Minister James Marape’s recent public commitment on getting ICAC to a third reading in Parliament, and so to assist the public to keep track of the process of enactment, TIPNG has produced a visual guide to the ICAC enactment process,” he said.
“TIPNG also acknowledges the role of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Laws and Acts and Subordinate Legislation, as they collect views from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General and others to ensure the law for ICAC gives it the full powers of investigation, arrest and prosecution in order to give this watchdog teeth,” Aitisi said.
“It is our hope that Sir Peter Ipatas, as chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee, will table a report next week in Parliament supporting a fully empowered Icac for PNG.”