Tough measures needed to eradicate bribery, says TIPNG

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
TRANSPERANCY International PNG (TIPNG) says bribery has taken control of society and tough measures should be taken to eradicate it.
TIPNG made the statement after concerns were raised by Police Supt Francis Tokura that bribes could have been offered to officers of the court. 
TIPNG chairman Lawrence Stephens said the statement made by Tokura was proper and could mean that a huge sum of money was being exchanged within political circles.
“This is exactly what the people suspect to be the case – political leaders and civil officials being bought and sold,” Stephens said.
The statement said such acts were serious and criminal in nature.
Those involved – or those who simply failed to report it – were guilty of crimes.
Stephens said: “There must be unbiased investigation of allegations of bribery and attempted bribery and such investigation must be fair, impartial and non-partisan.
“TIPNG welcomes individual investigations.
“But we also expect more cases to be investigated so that the impartiality of our legal system is beyond question”.
It also called on people with information and evidence of bribery to ensure this was brought to public attention so that criminal charges could be considered.