PNG Prime Minister, James Marape. Photo: Facebook / PNG office of the prime minister
Papua New Guinea's prime minister has reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption after another low ranking in Transparency International's annual corruption perceptions index.
Out of 180 countries surveyed in 2019, PNG remains a lowly 137, the worst ranking in the Pacific for the second consecutive year.
Commenting on the ranking to local media, Mr Marape promised to deliver major reforms and new anti-corruption and whistleblower protection legislation this year.
He challenged the public to do more than voice their concerns on social media saying nothing would happen unless official complaints were lodged with relevant authorities.
James Marape said the country had lost billions of kina in government revenue to corruption.
Transparency Papua New Guinea has long called for the establishment of an Independent Commission Against Corruption.
The government has told RNZ Pacific that legislation to establish the commission is ready to be tabled in parliament next month.