Climate corruption in Papua New Guinea: Claims and counter claims from Climate Change and Development Authorities’ William Lakain and whistleblower, Alfred Rungol
CCDA staff accused of embezzling US$1.3 million
Earlier this year, police in Papua New Guinea raided the Climate Change and Development Authority’s office in Port Moresby. The police seized computers and financial documents.
CCDA staff are accused of embezzling US$1.3 million.
Police allege that the money was taken between August 2022 and March 2023.
In May 2022, Alfred Rungol, an employee at CCDA, raised the alarm about possible corruption in an email to CCDA managers. Shortly after he sent the email, he was suspended, then sacked.
William Lakain, CCDA’s Acting Managing Director, dismissed the claims of corruption as “unsubstantiated complaints”. He released a statement in which he “categorically” rejected the accusations.
Alfred Rungol, the whistleblower, responded to Lakain’s statement. His response referred to a court case in which, according to Rungol, it was confirmed that he was reinstated at the CCDA on 13 October 2022. Rungol also repeated his accusations of corruption against senior management at the CCDA.
In June 2023, The National reported that the National Court in Waigani had dismissed a proceeding filed by William Lakain against Rungol. On 24 May 2023, Judge Thomas Anis ruled that as Lakain’s term as Acting Managing Director of CCDA had expired meaning he had no legal standing to sue Rungol:
“The court had considered that Lakain’s term as CCDA’s managing director has expired before commencing this proceeding which means that he had no legal standing to terminate Rungol’s employment as the general manager.
“Therefore, this proceeding has failed and will be dismissed. I noticed that Lakain is purportedly suing only in his official capacity and not his personal capacity.”
The Judge stated that Lakain’s term expired on 28 June 2022.
In July 2023, William Lakain paid for an advertisement in the Papua New Guinea newspaper, The National:
Rungol responded with the following open letter to the Editor of The National:
Press Statement
Rebuttal of Misleading Article on Mr. Alfred Rungol’s Employment Status with Climate Change and Development Authority
Dear Editor of The National Newspaper - Members of the Press and Public,
I, Alfred Rungol issued this press statement to address and correct the inaccuracies presented in the article titled “Alfred Rungol No Longer Employed by the Climate Change and Development Authority” published on [The National Newspaper] on [26/07/23: Page: 30] - see attachment. It has come to my attention that the article contains several misrepresentations and unsubstantiated claims that require clarification. I am very disappointed that my reputation is damaged because of a false PAID Media Notice. I am a very professional individual and I seek honest and correct reporting from both parties before articles are published. I am a United Nation Expert in Climate Change and the article is damaging to my career and reputation Nationally and Internationally.
I, Alfred Rungol, the General Manager for MRV and National Communication at the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), was reinstated to my position by the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) on 13th October 2022 and further by the Prime Minister and the National Executive Council on 07th February 2023. I wish to provide the accurate facts surrounding my reinstatement:
1. Legal Reinstatement: Contrary to the article's claims, my reinstatement was done following a thorough review by the DPM for 7 months, which concluded that the CCDA had erred in administering the discipline process and constituted an illegal committee to make the decision of my termination. The truth behind my sideline and termination is because I questioned the 7% of Carbon Trading fees paid to CCDA officers and other malpractices. By questioning the payment of K45,000.00 each for (named) female officers and others (cronies), I was issued a suspension notice and eventually terminated without proposer consultation as per my employment contract which indicates that any discipline matters of a contract officer of the state is binded by Section 41 of the Public Service (Management) Act and Public Service General Order 9. The DPM’s official reinstatement letter explicitly stated that the termination was in breach of Public Service General Order 9.29 and the principles of natural justice enshrined in the constitution’s Section 59. I am contracted under section 41 of the Public Service (Management) Act thus all matters in relation to my case falls back to DPM to make a final decision. See attached is the cover of my contract, See attached is my official reinstatement letters by DPM and Prime Minister and NEC
2. Court Proceedings: The article falsely presents court proceedings titled “OS No. 270 of 2022” as evidence for its claims. It is important to note that the mentioned proceedings did not proceed to court; instead, it was a discontinuance proceeding. The court matter titled “OS No. 41 of 2023” is the only case that proceeded to court and provided a court order and finding on the substantive matter brought to court for an injunction order to stop me from returning to the office and challenging the reinstatement by DPM and Prime Minister Department and NEC. My employment contract is binding under Section 41 of the Public Service (Management) Act (PSMA), and all disciplinary matters fall under the purview of the Public Service Management Act and Public Service General Order, which have already been duly followed.
3. The court matter titled “OS No. 41 of 2023” provided a court order and finding on the substantive matter this also includes the court stating in its court order that William Lakain has NO Legal Standing as acting Managing Director since his contract expired in July 2022. Therefore, as determined by the court he is illegally operating in the capacity of acting Managing Director and has the section 32 officer to sign Government Official Cheque and making commitments on behalf of the state. See Court Order Decision Attached
4. Whistleblower Protection: I have been reinstated and as Government Official, I am now a whistleblower, and I have the right to report any corruption matters to relevant authorities, including the Police, Ombudsman Commission, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). It is inappropriate for the CCDA to threaten whistle-blowers and the media for reporting on corruption matters. Media outlets are independent and should report based on evidence and facts, as exemplified by reputable news agencies like ABC News Australia. The Police Directorate of Fraud and Anti-Corruption have already conducted an investigation into the case of fraud and misappropriation, the National Court has issued arrest warrants of more than 8 officials with clear and substantive evidence linking them to the allegations. Disappointingly, there were no arrests to this date and Police are paid to protect and escort the alleged suspects (8 mentioned) including the illegal acting MD that some of you have witnessed. The question is who is paying for protection fees and how much is paid pay day for the protection fees? Moreover, the issue is very, very serious, and I hope relevant authorities can look into this matter as soon as possible.
I believe it is essential to maintain accuracy and integrity in reporting, and I urge [The National Newspaper and other media] to make the necessary corrections to the misleading article as mentioned, and it’s only fair if the media can do an investigation into this matter - consult Police especially in this corruption matter. The public deserves fair and unbiased reporting, and I am committed to providing accurate information on this matter.
Lastly, when we try to expose corruption, malpractices and misappropriation in Public Office, the corruption fights back differently, one way is to use the media to tarnish reputation and deny the factual stories by threatening media not to report the stories but I urge all PNGians and colleagues to Stand Up and Speak Up.
For any further inquiries or clarification, please contact me directly via email or my whatsapp number.
Sincerely,
Alfred Rungol
General Manager
Climate Change and Development Authority
Great research, great drama - thank you!
Keep the stories flowing.
I got the sack for whistle blowing about the UNESCO funds at UPNG'S Journalism School and unqualified people being hand-picked to run the Program.
Believe it or not - a Masters in Journalism graduate from the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK; with
over 20 years of Lecturing in Journalism in PNG and Fiji - is out in the street without a job is real and painful.
Corruption can bite deep into your stomach.
Please let me know of any investigating reporter/ stringer job opportunities available!