ICAC intimidated, says official

By GYNNIE KERO
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) revealed yesterday that attempts had been made to intimidate it.
Without going into details the commissioners said in a joint statement: “In recent days, the ICAC has become aware that there are some who think they can attempt to intimidate the ICAC. Let us be clear…you cannot and will not intimidate us from fulfilling our sworn commitment to the people and government of PNG.”
The commissioner said it would use every means available to it to expose those involved in defrauding the state and the people of millions of Kina.
The ICAC Commissioners issued a strong warning in a joint statement yesterday warned those who are involved in corrupt conduct or committing fraud, bribery, any means misusing public money:
The statement read in part: “People who are involved in corrupt conduct are usually acting in their own self-interests which is against the common good.
“Corruption always leaves a trail that cannot be completed erased.
“Corruption always leaves a trail that cannot be completed erased.”
Deputy commissioner operations Daniel Baulch, when responding to The National yesterday, said ICAC has received 100-odd complaints and bribery tops the list.
“In recent months, ICAC has commenced investigations and started gathering evidence of corruption.
“The commissioners are not shocked about what we have seen so far, but disappointed in the willingness of some to steal from their fellow citizens, and to seek enormous wealth while others struggle.
“Millions of kina is lost each year, money that could be used to provide schools, roads, and healthcare.
“People who are involved in corrupt conduct are usually acting for their own interests.
“They can also have false confidence that their associates will protect them and lie for them once investigations and legal action begin.
“If you have seen someone acting corruptly, pleas report it to us. We thank everyone who has already reported to the ICAC.
“If you have been engaging in corrupt conduct, our advice is not to wait until ICAC comes for you. Come and talk to us. It may not be long before one of your associates tells us about you, if they have not done so already.
Do you think they will come into a Commission Hearing and lie for you, risking going to jail to protect you? Think again.
“The ICAC Commissioners have committed themselves to come to PNG and help the people of PNG to fight the scourge of corruption. We are determined to leave a legacy and build a better future for PNG.”