Please restore ICCC’s integrity and reputation

 THE  Independent   Consumer  and Competition Commission (ICCC) was established only 11 years ago in 2002. 

During  this period, it has done a  lot under the former leadership of  Thomas  Abe. Examples  are   the reforms into the telecommunication industry that led to the introduction of mobile competition and the subsequent entry of Digicel and other economic reform reviews into various industries and sectors. 

The application of economic regulation,  although very new at the time, has seen a lot of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that were near liquidation, gradually pick  up  because the form of regulation allowed them to manage their business while keeping political influences and directions away. 

Other consumer-related issues were adequately addressed, including having representations in all the provinces by having provincial  business  development officers   represent   the  ICCC  at  the provincial and district levels.

Much has been achieved in this short period and it has also gained a lot of respect from the general public, key stakeholders, the government and regulated entities. 

Abe has also groomed many Papua New Guineans who now occupy top posts in the country and overseas in both private and public sectors. 

The ICCC was highly regarded as a model government agency. 

But today, as it appears, the referral of the ICCC Commissioner  Billy Manoka leaves a lot to be desired. 

If  memory  serves, staff  has also raised their concerns, but little attention was given. 

Can the treasurer restore this very important institution’s leadership as we do not want to see the only  independent economic regulator lose the people’s trust and confidence, becoming like other government agencies? 

Street regulator, Via email