Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), following public comments by two suspended Deputy Commissioners reported in the media.

Prime Minister Marape said while every citizen — including senior officers of the law — has the right to express opinions, public forums and media statements are not appropriate avenues for discussing ongoing legal and administrative matters.

“As a senior officer of the law, the suspended Deputy Commissioner Daniel Baulch  should know that due process must be allowed to take its full course,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He remains innocent until proven otherwise by the Judicial Tribunal to be established by the Chief Justice.”

Due Process Followed Under Law

The Prime Minister clarified that the suspension and related proceedings involving the ICAC Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners were conducted strictly under the Organic Law on ICAC, the Constitution, and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.

“This is not a political issue or a government decision — it is a matter arising from allegations and counter-allegations among the three senior officers themselves,” he said. “An administrative inquiry was properly conducted by a competent panel led by the Secretary for the National Judicial Staff Services, with the State Solicitor and the Secretary to the National Executive Council as members.”

Prime Minister Marape elaborated that when the complaints first surfaced, they involved the two Deputy Commissioners laying complaints against the Commissioner, and the Commissioner also raising complaints against the two Deputies. In response, an administrative investigation was established, as required under the law.

“This investigation team reviewed the matter and found there was sufficient evidence to warrant referral to a higher authority — the ICAC Appointments Committee,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained that the ICAC Appointments Committee — chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising the Chief Justice, Opposition Leader, Public Service Commission Chair, and His Eminence Cardinal Sir John Ribat — then determined that the matter should be referred to a Judicial Tribunal. Transparency International PNG also participated in the process to ensure transparency and accountability.

“It is a constitutional process that has been properly deployed,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are now waiting for the judiciary to establish the tribunal. The matter is beyond my hands, and we must allow the process to take its full course.”

Defending Institutional Integrity

Prime Minister Marape said it was disappointing that the three senior officers of ICAC, who were appointed to lead the fight against corruption, were instead engaged in fighting each other.

“Two or three years on, instead of fighting corruption, these gentlemen have been fighting among themselves despite the major budgetary support my government has given to ICAC,” he said. “So, what do you expect me to do? We have to refer the matter to due process to determine the facts and separate hearsay from truth.”

He urged all involved to exercise restraint and allow the tribunal process to proceed, warning that continuous public commentary undermines the credibility of ICAC and the rule of law.

“If the suspended officer is genuine and innocent, he should allow the process to be completed rather than acting as complainant, prosecutor, judge, and jury in the public space,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our Constitution is world-class, and it clearly outlines the proper course of action — due process must be respected.”

Government Commitment and Accountability

“ICAC was established under my leadership — a vision I revived and legislated in 2020 after decades of inaction,” the Prime Minister said. “Why would I undermine the very institution I helped create? We are strengthening ICAC, not weakening it.”

“My government has given ICAC unprecedented support, totalling more than K60 million to date,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “This is a massive show of confidence and political will, yet we are still waiting for them to put a score on the board.”

He further clarified that suspended Deputy Commissioner of ICAC Daniel Baulch remains suspended with full pay pending the outcome of the tribunal process.

Right to Legal Redress

Prime Minister Marape added that the suspended officer is free to pursue the matter in court if he feels aggrieved.

“He has every right to seek redress through the courts,” the Prime Minister said. “I have been taken to court many times, and every time I have prevailed because I follow the due process of law. The courts are the proper forum for such disputes — not the media.”

He urged all parties to exercise patience and allow the judicial process to conclude rather than turning a legal matter into a public spectacle.

“The rule of law must prevail above all else. Our constitutional processes exist for a reason — to ensure fairness, justice, and accountability,” Prime Minister Marape said.