Nepotism corrupts PNG

THE wantok system and “big man” syndrome have been singled out as the main contributors to corruption in the public and private sectors.
The monthly Economic and Public Sector Programme seminar in Port Moresby was told that corrupt attitudes prevalent in PNG were responsible for the ongoing activities undermining development.
Speakers from the Institute of National Affairs, the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership, Transparency International, and the Internal Revenue Commission addressed the seminar.
John ToGuata, although a member of the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership development practitioner, said he was speaking as a private citizen as he was passionate about corruption and its effects on the country. 
He said corruption in PNG was the most serious threat to the country’s national security and development and, if not addressed, it would bring the country down in the near future.
As well as the wantok system, which undermined all acceptable formal practices and the Big Man Syndrome, which defied leadership principles and structure in work place, non-compliance with laws and regulations also helped break down all formal system processes and procedures.
Other factors included unethical behaviour which eroded the moral fibres of the society, poor standard of living and greed, which was the motivating factor for corruption and a could not care less attitude.
Institute of National Affairs director Paul Barker said corruption would continue to break the system in the government and will also undermine the nation’s integrity if not addressed.
Efforts have already been started to tackle corruption through the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) which was approved by parliament last year.
What needed to be done and what was needed for the NACS in order to fight corruption effectively, was to develop an implementation strategy, the political will to implement the strategy, agencies to be included in the corporate plans, inculcate ethics, values and integrity in all institutions’ curriculum, and a wide education and awareness programme in all sectors of society, he said.

EPSP is a joint programme between the Australian and the PNG governments to assist the government deliver improved services.
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