COMPLACENCY and corruption in the public service are two things that have held back our country, says Prime Minister James Marape.
He revealed this when giving his statement of achievements – second anniversary of Marape-Basil Government in Port Moresby on Thursday, June 24 attended by cabinet ministers, heads of departments, senior public servants and development partners.
“I challenge you all to rally for the cause. There’s no time to be complacent and allow corruption to exist in the public service or in the private sector. It’s a disease and we need a concerted effort in addressing this going forward,” Marape said.
He said with the establishment of Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) under his leadership, Marape would like to see those in position of power who abuse their position through corrupt means will be severely dealt with accordingly.
“We are here to serve the country with honesty and pride. We need to leave a legacy that our future leaders who are our children can enjoy and improve going forward. It’s not about us, it’s about them.”
Prime Minister Marape said for the last two years since assuming office on May 30, 2019 his government has faced many challenges.
“On reflection, I must admit that the last two years have not been smooth sailing given the increasing political and legislative challenges by the faint-hearted and pessimists, questioning the legality and continuity of my government.
“Despite these circumstances, and the emergency of Covid-19 pandemic which has weighed heavily on our economy, I can confidently say that we have overcome these adversities and have emerged as a united and strong coalition – a government for the people, by the people and leaving no one behind,” Marape said.
He said when he took office his focus was to grow the economy and improve systems and processes of government system.
“The focus of my government has always been to grow the economy through agriculture, small and medium enterprises and economic infrastructure development.
“We have taken bold and decisive steps to improving systems and processes of the government through public sector reforms to secure effective and efficient public service delivery.”
PM Marape also thanked development partners for the support given to his government thus; saying without them much of the development agendas would not be made possible.