How corruption is effectively legalised in PNG
24 November 2013
MARTYN NAMORONG | Namorong Report
I WILL BEGIN THIS DISCOURSE by redefining corruption in Papua New Guinea. My definition of corruption in PNG is that it is the protection by law of irregular situatio ns, contexts, and behaviours of individuals that allow those situations, contexts and individuals to be unaccountable.
Based on smart lawyering and conventional legal interpretations, in PNG the law corrupts and the justice system provides protection.
Let me clarify here, I am not referring to corruption in a negative, dirty, murky way. What I am referring to is that, like Pontius Pilate, the law will, can, and most often does wash your hands clean.
It’s the biggest lottery in this nation and you have to be in it to win it, so to speak. The rewards are enormous and it’s not necessarily illegal. After all, everything is done within the framework of the law to protect one’s self interest.
That is why, anyone in Papua New Guinea who has money and who can afford good lawyers can act with impunity and receive the full protection of the law.
First, one must take a suppression order or restraining order or whatever piece of shit court document one has in order to suppress any action being taken against you.
Further suppression of public debate or discussion is done by telling the fools in the country that “the matter is before the courts and any public discussion may be sub judice or contempt of court”.
Next, if that doesn’t work, threaten people with defamation cases.
(In the event that you’re a foreigner who can afford a lawyer, you will most likely be deported if you don’t give into the bluff of these Papua New Guinean psychopaths.)
Some people like the cliché “change starts with me.” I agree. Papua New Guineans have to change from being passive recipients of all the crap shoved down their throats and start fighting back at those who claim to represent the people, or do we need to teach people how to strike a match.
Nelson, why not try to get the Alumni, the past students who now hold influential positions, to help investigate the allegations.
Are their accounts audited? Contact the auditor.
Posted by: Mrs Barbara Short | 25 November 2013 at 07:23 AM
The University of Goroka management was alleged to have double-dipped earlier this year. This allegations were made by the students who petitioned the government to carry out an investigation.
However, despite being given an assurance by the then Acting Minister for HERST and the Diirector General for OHE that the students' concerns will be addressed, nothing has happened so far.
As a result the management retaliated and terminated the students' spokesperson without following proper procedures.
The PM never showed heart for the students' concerns. Currently students' behavior on the campus has gone from bad to worse as they continue to challenge the intergrity of the management.
Posted by: Nelson Mollo | 24 November 2013 at 09:37 PM
Barbara is right, Martyn. Dont lose hope.
I saw, I think in the same paper, where the Insurance Commissioner was arrested and charged for corruption. You see there are many people in the country who care for the country and are fighting for what is right.
We need to protect those who speak out and blow the whistle on corruption. I guess social media is the space to expose some of these corrupt officials. No wonder the PM wants to close down social media!
Posted by: Kelvin Natata | 24 November 2013 at 02:11 PM
At Unitech the former Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor used the sub judice argument every time their status was challenged, although our research subsequently showed the court order had been archived and set aside a long time ago.
They were able to hold the Council hostage for years. I never gave in to their bluff, but my exile continues.
Posted by: Albert Schram | 24 November 2013 at 12:39 PM
Martyn, you are to be congratulated for speaking out!
Posted by: David Wall | 24 November 2013 at 07:49 AM
Martyn, your country is slowly starting to learn how to tackle corruption. Don't give up.
I was interested to read on Friday how the former PNG Minister for Planning, Paul Tiensten, was found guilty of misappropriation of government money.
The national court ruled that giving money to Eremas Wartoto, to be used to set up an airline, amounted to misappropriation because the money was earmarked for rural freight subsidies.
Judge Gibbs Salika said Tiensten had used his "political muscle" to direct his officials to facilitate the grant and ignore proper assessment procedures.
I have not forgotten that Paul Tiensten was also the minister who did not call for tenders but gave the contract to renovate Keravat NHS to Eremas Wartoto.
When it came time to check his work it appears that Tiensten and the Minister of Education, Marape,allowed Wartoto to get away with not completing his work.
Although the Headmistress complained bitterly and was legally threatened by Wartoto at the time, nothing was done to see that the money had been used correctly. The school was subsequently closed for many months.
I know many people felt that bribes of 10% were commonly paid in those times but as far as I know that has never been proven.
There are still other problems with the RESI funds in relation to the rebuilding of Passam National High School.
Hopefully, when the ICAC is set up, they will have the powers to check the bank accounts of people who appear to be mishandling government money.
The country needs strong honest people in government who will back the ICAC. The ICAC needs strong people who can understand the minds of those who have devoted their lives to deceiving both the government and the general population.
You have to fight back with your brain - not matches!
Posted by: Mrs Barbara Short | 24 November 2013 at 06:25 AM