BY NADIA. MARAI

The Transparency International PNG released the results of the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) last week Tuesday (31/01/2022) in line with uplifting the global embargo.

The CPI is a survey that scores countries and territories around the world based on perceptions of public sector corruption. The scores reflect views of the experts and surveys from business people, not the public.

The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index scored Papua New Guinea a low 30 out of 100,highlighting a stagnation in the government’s efforts in clamping down on public sector corruption. While there have been positive developments, unfortunately these have largely been isolated and have not been fully implemented and as a result minimizing their impact and effectiveness.

In launching the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, TIPNG Board Chair Peter Aitsi said, ‘’Political leaders must recognize the dire threat that corruption poses to national and international peace and security, and must make anti-corruption efforts an integral focus of foreign and domestic policy by prioritizing transparency which will enable proper oversight and enable meaningful engagement of civil society in scrutinizing the use of public funds.’’

Among other organizations which included the Interim Commission Against Corruption, the Public Services Commission as an office of integrity attended as well showing it’s support to combating corruption in PNG.

The Public Services Commission (PSC) is serious about its Anti-corruption stance; therefore, we have aligned ourselves to other institutions of integrity who are promoters of good governance and are at the forefront in the fight against corruption. Organizations like TIPNG, ICAC and Ombudsmen Commission among other institutions of integrity.

PSC in partnership with the Transparency International (TIPNG) successfully launched its agency level Anti-Corruption & Integrity Strategy last year in doing its part to combat corruption.