Leaders discuss corruption unit

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

DRASTIC measures are needed to address corruption in the country, a public servant says.

Benson Nablu, provincial government chief-of-staff and chairman of the Angau Memorial Hospital board, told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that drastic actions needed to be taken to deal with corrupt state officials and leaders.

“Leaders and public servants who steal the people’s money should be punished,” he said.

“Their cronies in the private sector should also be prosecuted.”

Hosea Livingston, president of the University of Technology students’ representative council said Papua New Guineans should be patriotic in fighting corruption and it should start now.

“K50 billion has been lost through corruption over the years,” Livingston said.

“If there is sufficient evidence against someone, he must be tried on the spot.”

Another participant said the law should be changed so that leaders and public servants who squandered people’s money should be assumed guilty until proven otherwise.

“They must be locked up in jail immediately until they prove that they are innocent,” he said.  

Roy Miringke, a community leader in Lae, said the commission was a good concept but he did not want to see politicians in its committee.

He said there were many genuine and qualified Papua New Guineans out there who could do the job and run the organisation for the people. He also said the little people’s views must be sought through grassroots forums.