Prime Minister James Marape has described the Ombudsman Commission (OC) and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as the nation’s twin pillars of integrity and good governance.

Speaking at a recent event in Port Moresby city marking the announcement of the new Acting Chief Ombudsman, he said the two institutions were established to protecting the integrity of the public service.   

“These institutions exist to protect the integrity of our public service and ensure all public office holders operate within the law. They are fundamental to safeguarding our democracy and strengthening public confidence in government.”

He noted that ICAC, established under his Government, was also progressing through a transparent recruitment process for its substantive leadership positions.

Pending the completion of that process, the ICAC Appointments Committee has appointed Retired Judge Don Sawong as Acting Commissioner, while Mr. Thomas Eluh and Justice Ellenas Batari have been appointed Acting Deputy Commissioners.

Like the Ombudsman Commission, the substantive ICAC positions will be filled through an open, transparent and merit-based recruitment process.

“While no government is perfect, we are building institutions that will serve Papua New Guinea well into the future. These are important safeguards for our economy, our public service and our democracy.”

Marape said his Government had strengthened appointment processes by including independent observers, including Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG), in the recruitment of leaders for major constitutional offices.

Although not legally required, he said the Government had adopted this approach on the advice of the Chief Secretary to reinforce transparency and public confidence.