Firms told to report corrupt MPs

PRIME Minister James Marape has told companies operating in the forestry industry that they do not owe any politician a favour to operate in the country.
He said that forestry was tagged as one of the most corrupt sectors, and that this must be addressed.
The PNG Forest Authority Corporate Plan and Strategic Policy Documents was released yesterday in Port Moresby.
“Companies do not owe any politician or any public servant any favour,” Marape said.
“You operate, pay your dues and comply with the regulations.
“That’s all. If any politician request for any favour, report them to me.
“You comply with requirements of your permit and pay your dues of taxes.
“The forestry sector is known for corruption.
“We need to rid this completely.”
Marape also stressed the need to replant trees.
“Once harvested, the primary state of the forest is lost forever,” he said.
“I am mindful of the value of conservation and biodiversity that we have in our country.
“I am very keen to be part of the process of forestry now and for the next 10 years as we implement this corporate plan, that we do not forfeit the total value of forestry that we have today. In 462,000 square kilometres of land which is called Papua New Guinea, we house 6 to 7 per cent of the world’s biodiversity found in what we call forestry today.
“So for those of you who work in forestry as we go about our business, preservation, conservation and sustainable harvest of our resources must be at the very highest.”