Reminder to demonstrate proper conduct: TIPNG

The Supreme Court ruling on the November 17th Parliament sitting is a clear reminder of the need to maintain higher standards of conduct within our institutions.

Transparency International PNG said the decision was handed down by a panel of 5 judges determining the constitutionality of events in Parliament during November.

“Papua New Guineans have every right to expect our elected leaders to lead by example in demonstrating proper conduct in carrying out their responsibilities,” stated Chair of TIPNG, Peter Aitsi.  

“The Supreme Court in its ruling has articulated and provided guidance on role and conduct of the office of the Speaker of Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament and of MPs ensuring the constitutional functions of Parliament are properly maintained.

“These officials must conduct their duties for the public good and must always seek to maintain the integrity of the public office they hold. This is TIPNG’s view noting the Speaker of Parliament has followed the Supreme Court’s direction to reconvene Parliament on Monday (14/12/20).  

“People in Papua New Guinea have the right to wonder, who actually stands to benefit from all the court cases, in fact questions are being asked on how these cases are being funded and who is funding the political camps. Is it being funded from public funds or private individuals or groups? Whatever the source, it should be extremely worrying given our current economic state and also the potential for external influence of our political leaders,” Aitsi added.

“Neither political side can claim the moral high ground if both disregard the integrity of their public office and act against the public good for their own political self-interest. What the people of Papua New Guinea want to see is adherence to democratic principles in Parliament and compliance with legislative processes.

“TIPNG acknowledges the underlying strength of our democracy, and this is reflected in the conduct of our defence force, the police, the judiciary and our fellow Papua New Guineans for respecting the constitutional processes as they occur.”

TIPNG has encouraged citizens to seek information from reliable sources, ensuring they read and share verified information.

“TIPNG encourages the PNG media to remain diligent and to be objective in their news gathering as this will be vital to ensure our public is kept informed by verified and non-partisan information,” stated the anti-rot agency.

“Freedom of information is vital to our democracy, and should not be squandered by sharing politically motivated falsehoods, which may in turn be used as a justification for state-censorship as we have seen in other jurisdictions within our region.”

(Parliament on Monday December 14th)

Author: 
Press release