OPPOSITION LEADER WARNS OF GREY-LISTING

OPPOSITON Leader James Nomane has issued a stark warning that corruption and governance failures could push Papua New Guinea into deeper economic difficulty, linking elite misconduct to the country’s ongoing struggle to meet international financial compliance standards.

In his Christmas message, Nomane directly challenged government claims that corruption is being effectively addressed, saying ordinary citizens see little evidence of meaningful enforcement or accountability.

The reference to grey-listing reflects Papua New Guinea’s efforts to satisfy international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements. Failure to meet these standards can affect investor confidence, increase transaction costs and limit access to global financial systems.

Nomane argued that corruption is not an abstract issue but one that directly undermines service delivery, economic growth and public trust. He said stolen public funds translate into understaffed hospitals, under-resourced schools and stalled infrastructure projects.