The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) had its newly appointed Commissioners officially sworn in to office this week to take on the leadership roles to ensure the institution delivers on its mandate to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The three appointees were sworn in by the Governor General of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Sir Bob Dadae, at the Government House in Port Moresby city on Tuesday.
Retired Judge Don Sawong was sworn in as the Acting ICAC Commissioner, Retired Judge Ellenas Batari was sworn in as Acting Deputy Commissioner Operations and Special Services, and Mr. Thomas Eluh sworn in as Deputy Commissioner ICAC Prevention and Corporate Services.
Mr. Eluh, who is the outgoing ICAC Acting Commissioner, said the appointment of the Commissioners is vital to the functioning of an institution that was created by the State to deal with the matters of corruption, which is rife in PNG.
“This is a very important occasion, not just for us three, but for the institution itself,” said Mr. Eluh.
“It’s so important that these changes in management, holds everybody together and ensures that ICAC moves on from here.”
“So, I would like to congratulate the incoming Acting Commissioner Mr. Sawong. I will certainly pledge my support to him, and I expect every member of ICAC to also do the same,” he said.
Mr. Eluh said the ICAC’s responsibility to prevent, investigate, and combat corruption continues every day without interruption.
“Leadership changes do not change our mandate or our commitment to the people,” he said.
Mr. Sawong also assures the people that the work of the ICAC continues and lays out his priorities as the Acting Commissioner going forward.
“As Acting Commissioner, one of my priorities is to ensure that the ICAC is strategically organised and positioned to effectively address corruption across the country. This means focusing on our priority areas - aligning our focus areas with our mandate and ensuring that our organisational structure supports the delivery of our objectives.”
“This is work that is already underway and will continue regardless of change. We will continue building on the progress that has been made and further develop the ICAC into a strong, credible and effective integrity institution that delivers on its responsibilities and meets the expectations of the public.
He later went on thank the ICAC Appointments Committee for having faith in him and appointing him as Acting Commission for ICAC alongside Batari and Eluh.
