by Anthony Kalai (LinkedIn Posts)
Is leadership accountability being respected in Papua New Guinea?
Any public agency is not the birthright of any individual to hold leadership positions indefinitely. When threats of violence are made against members of legitimate boards, such as the KPHL board, this is extremely serious and must be addressed immediately by the police.
Authorities must act to identify and hold accountable those responsible for instigating unrest and lawlessness in the Southern Highlands.
Ethical leadership requires transparency and accountability. If a leader has nothing to hide, stepping aside temporarily for investigation is not a weakness but a demonstration of integrity.
Unfortunately, in many public service positions, long-serving leaders are hesitant to undergo accountability processes. Avoiding scrutiny only damages credibility and reputation further.
Corruption and misconduct cannot be allowed to dictate leadership. Leaders should uphold ethical standards and allow due process to clear their names while maintaining public trust. The police must investigate the recent unrest and threats to ensure justice and protect the rule of law.
How should leaders handle allegations of corruption without compromising the truth or public trust?
Parliamentarians must exercise caution and responsibility when commenting in the media about the recent lawlessness surrounding KPHL.
Reckless statements can make them appear to be instigators and may attract police investigation as persons of interest.
Using lawlessness or media pressure to influence outcomes is illegal and only further tarnishes the credibility of the leader under scrutiny.
Suspension is the lawful and necessary process to allow an independent review of allegations. It ensures that a leader’s name is cleared without fear or favor.
Resisting suspension only strengthens the perception that the allegations may hold truth. Allegations remain allegations until proven, and accountability is key to preserving integrity.
All citizens of this country should call for a comprehensive forensic audit of KPHL’s financial books and the presentation of a transparent financial report to the people of Papua New Guinea.
Transparency, integrity, and proper process must prevail.
