Transparency International PNG (TIPNG)

In a statement, TIPNG says it is appalling that the Minister for Lands and Physical Planning has needed to report files, important to an Administrative Inquiry launched by the Prime Minister, to be missing.

“It is simply not acceptable that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Minister Tkatchenko are prevented from delivering on promises they have made to the nation and shamed by public servants who fail to secure documents essential to delivering of these promises,” says the anti-rot organisation.  

TIPNG says PM Peter O’Neill effectively acted against his own earlier decision, which in accordance with principles of good governance, was to protect the investigation into the K46m Manumanu land deal by sidelining William Duma and Dr. Fabian Pok until such time as it had been completed.

The newly opened TIPNG office located at Boroko, National Capital District, suffered a break and entry in the early hours of Monday morning with personnel being assaulted and close to K20,000 worth of goods stolen from the premises. 

“We are a local non-governmental organisation fighting an important battle against destructive corruption and dependent on financial support from concerned citizens and donor agencies,” said Chairman of TIPNG Lawrence Stephens.

A call by the Lands Minister to rightly make the inquiry into the ‘Manumanu Land Deal’ a priority has been welcomed by Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) along with the advice that the Department of Lands and Physical has already provided information to the delayed Administrative Inquiry. 

In a statement, the anti-rot organisation said: “There is a strong public perception that our democracy is being challenged by vested interests, acting with apparent impunity, and this appears to have heightened during the process of election.  

In preparation for the walk, which will take place in Port Moresby on Sunday, June 4, a number of organisations have come forward with in-kind support, showing their commitment towards combating corruption and to ensure the success of the event. 

TIPNG interim executive director, Arianne Kassman, said: “It is always inspiring to receive support from business houses and other institutions when Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) hosts events.

“This is a substantial amount of public funds being invested into a private commercial venture that may not bring the anticipated returns for the people of PNG,” the organisation says in a statement.

TIPNG strongly believes that this investment venture is not in the best financial interests of the people of Papua New Guinea. 

Chairman of TIPNG, Lawrence Stephens, says TIPNG welcomes efforts to uncover facts and investigate alleged wrong doing.

“It is in the interest of the people of Papua New Guinea and particularly the people of Manumanu that the investigations be carried out immediately and those that are found to have acted fraudulently to be charged and face the courts.”

TIPNG, however, remains appalled by the long list of multiple COIs that have not yet been acted on and individuals named continue to enjoy impunity.  

“It is with sadness and gratitude that the Transparency International PNG chapter has learnt of his passing, after a long illness.

“His talents and skills are admired by many in the media industry and others throughout PNG and abroad. His voice has been a part of the lives of three generations of Papua New Guineans and his kind personality reached out to millions of people. 

“It is welcoming to see stringent requirements are now in place to document, validate, verify and authenticate Government cheques by way of Purchase Orders, Authority to Pre-commit Expenditure (APC) or an Integrated Local Purchase Order and Claim (ILPOC), to assure accountability of Government spending,” the organisation said in a statement.   

“This is an important step to strengthen the existing procurement process and limit the abuse of the proper procurement process.”