Separating the Facts from the Myths in PNG’s ICAC Saga

23/10/2025

By Sam Koim, OBE

Papua New Guinea’s anti-corruption movement has entered a critical juncture, with the ongoing controversy surrounding the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) raising both public concern and political debate. As the Prime Minister and two Deputy Commissioners trade accusations, confusion has emerged over whether the issue is political interference, institutional failure, or a mix of both. Having long been involved in the fight against corruption and the establishment of ICAC’s foundations, I offer this commentary not as a partisan argument, but as a fact-based, historically grounded analysis — a debate between myth and reality.

Toothless Police, Untouchable PNG Politicians

4/10/2025

By George Lemako

Papua New Guinea is being told that citizens should not take corruption complaints to the police because the Constabulary is compromised. Instead, they are advised to go directly to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). This directive may appear to safeguard investigations, but in reality, it exposes a frightening truth: the police force is being painted as powerless, and politicians are being cast as untouchable.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is the backbone of law enforcement in this country. Declaring them too compromised to investigate MPs is more than just advice—it is an admission that one of our central democratic institutions has lost its teeth. If citizens are told to avoid the police, it means public confidence in law and order has already been eroded, and corruption has gained the upper hand.

Image graphics depicts toothless police and Member of Parliament

Broken Harvest: PNG PM Marape’s Grand Agricultural Promise Wilts by 2025

17/9/2025

Commentary by George Lemako,
Prime Minister James Marape’s bold pledge to transform Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector and end food imports by 2025 was, at the time, framed as a landmark vision. In his 2020 budget speech, Marape declared that PNG would achieve self-sufficiency in staple foods like rice, lamb, and goat meat by the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary. For many citizens, this announcement inspired hope of a future where local farms flourished and reliance on foreign imports diminished.

Yet, five years on, the reality paints a starkly different picture. Despite vast fertile land and a population where 80 percent is already engaged in agriculture, little evidence shows that PNG is anywhere near ending food imports. Rice, a key target of Marape’s plan, continues to be shipped in at large volumes. Market prices for imported goods remain high, leaving families to wonder whether the government’s ambitious rhetoric was ever backed by practical action.

Corrective, Not Punitive: The New Face of Covering Up Corruption in PNG

9/9/2025

Commentary by George Lemako

Corrective, Not Punitive: The New Face of Covering Up Corruption in PNG

The announcement by the Papua New Guinea National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA) to audit K57.78 billion worth of government projects sounds bold on paper, but politically, it carries all the hallmarks of a government scrambling to be seen as proactive while carefully avoiding deeper truths. Prime Minister James Marape’s directive appears to be a deliberate attempt to project strength against corruption, yet the very framing of the audits as “corrective rather than punitive” reveals the weakness of the initiative. If corruption is systemic, then correction without punishment is simply an exercise in rhetoric – a toothless dog barking but never biting.

This political move must be understood in the context of rising public frustration over misuse of funds, ghost projects, and ballooning payrolls that serve individuals more than the nation. Marape’s administration has been plagued by accusations of turning a blind eye to corruption, and now, with elections approaching in the not-too-distant future, the NMCA audits conveniently signal a government claiming to take accountability seriously. Yet, accountability without consequence does not dissuade corrupt actors; instead, it reassures them that even if caught, they will be spared the harshest measures.

Wake Up PNG – Stop Letting Crooked Politicians Hide Behind God’s Name

31/8/2025

Wake Up PNG – Stop Letting Crooked Politicians Hide Behind God’s Name - Allan Bird

Governor Allan Bird has unleashed a stinging warning to Papua New Guineans, declaring that the nation is being deceived by cunning politicians who shamelessly exploit the name of Jesus Christ for their own selfish gain. In a fiery commentary, Bird said too many leaders are weaponizing faith to manipulate innocent Christians while looting the country blind.
According to Bird, politicians have discovered the ultimate trick: invoke “Jesus,” wave the Bible, or mention “Israel” and instantly the people drop their guard. “Our first love – Jesus Christ – is being used against us. PNG Christians are being played like fools,” Bird declared.

PNG Justice Shakes the Nation: Yafai Guilty, But Who Else Will Fall?

20/8/2025

Prime Minister James Marape's footnote by then Finance Minister that time authorized payment.

Commentary by George Lemako
On 19 August 2025, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika delivered a landmark verdict in CR (FC) No. 95 of 2024, State v Jacob Yafai. The former Deputy Secretary of Finance was found guilty on five counts of misappropriation totaling K41.8 million. The judgment was a major strike against corruption, but it left bigger questions unanswered about those whose names surfaced during the trial.

Significantly, Sir Gibbs chose not to rely on three written directives signed by then–Finance Minister James Marape, now the Prime Minister. Those notes, which appeared to authorize payments to Paul Paraka Lawyers, were excluded on legal grounds. The decision underscored the court’s refusal to take on the role of investigator, reserving that responsibility for police or ICAC.

PNG PM Marape's Pangu Party Faces Warning Signs Ahead of 2027 General Election

13/8/2025

Political Commentary by George Lemako

With just one year to go before Papua New Guinea’s 2027 national elections, recent by-election results have sparked debate over the future of the ruling Pangu Party. Losses in key electorates, including Aitape-Lumi, Central Bougainville,Porgera-Paiela and Usino Bundi, have highlighted a growing shift in voter sentiment away from the party.

The defeats point to public dissatisfaction with Prime Minister James Marape’s leadership. Allegations of corruption, unfulfilled promises, and worsening economic conditions have fuelled frustration among voters, particularly in rural areas where development challenges remain pressing.

Political observers say the trend indicates declining trust in the ruling party and a strong appetite for change. By-election outcomes, while not definitive, provide a glimpse into the political mood that could influence the national polls next year.

How PNG MPs Walk Freely with Massive Public Funds—No Questions Asked

1/7/2025

How PNG MPs Walk Freely with Massive Public Funds—No Questions Asked

Commentary by George Lemako
Every year, Papua New Guinean Members of Parliament receive millions in development funds under the guise of improving rural communities. Yet for many citizens, life has hardly changed. The roads are still impassable, health clinics are underfunded, and schools lack basic resources. The problem lies not in the allocation of funds but in how they are managed, or more accurately, mismanaged.

At the heart of this issue is the government’s preference for acquittals over audits. Acquittals, which simply require receipts or expenditure reports, have become a routine task for MPs. These reports are often delayed and seldom scrutinized, meaning public money can be spent on anything—from community handouts to paying bride prices, tribal war funding, hauskrai funding—without facing serious questions.

PNG Steps Up in Israel-Iran Crisis — With a Prayer Request

16/6/2025

PNG Steps Up in Israel-Iran Crisis — With a Prayer Request

Commentary by James Rhaney

Papua New Guinea’s official response to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict — a national call to prayer — speaks volumes about both the strength and the limitations of our foreign policy. On one hand, it reflects PNG’s genuine identity as a Christian nation, where faith and community are at the heart of how we face challenges. In a time of fear and uncertainty, prayer can offer comfort, unity, and a sense of purpose, especially for families worried about loved ones caught in the middle of a violent international standoff.

Bougainville's Independence Bid Challenges PNG Unity

13/6/2025

Leaders from Bougainville and Papua New Guinea concluded a significant round of talks in New Zealand last week, with the prospect of Bougainville declaring independence remaining a central issue. The discussions aimed to chart a path forward after Bougainville’s overwhelming vote for self-determination in 2019.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has expressed reservations about Bougainville’s bid, citing national unity and economic concerns. “My duty as prime minister is not only to Bougainville but to the whole of Papua New Guinea,” Marape said, warning that independence could inspire other provinces to seek separation.