Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is calling on all Members of Parliament to pay particular attention to the anti-bribery laws with the upcoming Vote of No Confidence.
“Our Members and each of us must be urgently reminded of the provisions pertaining to Bribery within the Criminal Code Act 1974,” said the Chairman of TIPNG, Lawrence Stephens.
Stephens stated that Sections 61 and 62 of the Act clearly outline that bribery of Members of Parliament involves, “attempts, directly or indirectly, by fraud, threats or intimidation of any kind, to influence a Member of the Parliament in his vote, opinion, judgement or action on any such question or matter, or to induce him to so absent himself.”
“We encourage any MP who feels that she or he is being coerced to read Section 97c of the Criminal Code Act and at the earliest opportunity report the matter to a commissioned Police Officer,” said Stephens.
TIPNG’s concerns are drawn from its 2015 Public Opinion Survey on the Levels of Corruption in Papua New Guinea.
The survey of Papua New Guineans across the nation’s four regions showed that 53% said they had paid a bribe and that 81% of respondents saw Members of Parliament as the key causative agents of corruption.
“There are rumours of massive cash movements in political circles at present. Hopefully there is no truth in the rumours, but nevertheless it is a good time for each of us to reflect on the law and the reason for the law,” said Stephens.
“Elected officials, public servants, law enforcers and the community should be aware of the anti-bribery laws and make sure they are followed. As Papua New Guineans we deserve leaders who will abide by the laws that they make.”