By Grace Auka Salmang (Post Courier)

THE National Research Institute (NRI) held an interactive forum on the proposed Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Bill in Port Moresby yesterday before it is tabled in Parliament next week.

The Ombudsman Commission, being a stakeholder and team member of the forum, commented and agreed on the proposed establishment of ICAC, emphasising what roles and functions the ICAC should have.

Chief Ombudsman Rigo Lua said the Ombudsman Commission agreed that the purposes of the establishment of ICAC were to conduct independent investigations, to prosecute major or high profile crimes, and to raise awareness through education and prevention.

Ombudsman, John Nero said in order for the ICAC to be effective, it should operate independently without interference from any other body or person.

“We will have to cut out unnecessary political interference in this institution,” Mr Nero said.

“It is about time we scrape out the involvement of politicians and invite members from independent bodies such as TIPNG and church organisations to ensure a better system or processes is in place to curb corruption in PNG.”

Mr Nero also said there should be sharing of information between ICAC and other government agencies.

“ICAC will not work if such agencies like OC itself, police, the office of Public Prosecutors, to name a few, are not doing their work, it all comes to networking as well.

“The integrity system of this country must function well in order for ICAC to establish,” Mr Nero said.

NRI: Corruption has taken root in society

By GRACE AUKA SALMANG (Post Courier)

CORRUPTION has taken root in every society of the country and greater awareness about the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) bill is needed, a researcher says.

Acting director of the National Research Institute Dr Charles Yala, speaking at a forum organised to raise awareness about the bill, described corruption as a termite.

“Termites are small creatures, but when they team up and concentrate on biting the same tree, they can make a giant tree eventually collapse,’’ he said.

He said the only way to treat termites was to prevent them from starting their nest at the first place.

“In other words, every little corruptive action counts in little things and this have become reality in PNG.

“Therefore, the ICAC bill should be focused on education first and foremost, before investigation, prosecution and imposing penalties,” Dr Yala said.

He said the ICAC should not be a witch-hunt organisation.

Under the leadership of the good governance program, the institute decided to organise the forum with the intent to keep public momentum and discussion on the draft ICAC bill.

“While the public consultations have taken place, stakeholders must continue to raise issues before parliament debates the bill and continue to monitor its implementation,” Dr Yala said.

Director of the Institute of National Affairs, Paul Barker said there were number of limited capacity of resources in terms of human and financial resources in order for ICAC to be effective.

“We need the capacity to address this issue in PNG.

“In PNG, law and order is listed as the first and corruption the second that really needs be given more attention,” Mr Barker said.