The ICAC Appointments Committee has appointed retired judge Don Sawong as Acting Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
The appointment was formalized during a swearing-in and employment contract signing ceremony at Government House this morning.
The leadership reshuffle also saw former Acting Commissioner Thomas Eluh appointed Acting Deputy Commissioner, while Elenas Batari was sworn in as Acting Deputy Commissioner.
The changes were endorsed by the ICAC Appointments Committee as the Commission continues to strengthen its leadership ahead of the appointment of substantive office holders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Eluh described the transition as an important milestone in the continued development of ICAC.
“Today is an important day for ICAC. We are not just witnessing a change in titles. We are seeing the continuation of an institution that is still being built, still strengthening, and still finding its full shape in service to the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Mr. Eluh said he respected the committee’s decision to appoint Mr. Sawong and welcomed him into the role of Acting Commissioner.
He said he assumed leadership of ICAC at a time when the institution was still finding its footing, with his priority being to restore direction, strengthen governance and build public confidence.
“I believe we have made real progress in that space,” he said.
Mr. Eluh said ICAC belonged to the people of Papua New Guinea rather than any individual and that leadership transitions were a normal part of building strong institutions.
He noted that the bipartisan ICAC Appointments Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, played an important role in ensuring appointments were based on due process and integrity.
Mr. Eluh said the Commission’s responsibility to prevent, investigate and combat corruption without fear or favor would continue regardless of changes in leadership.
He congratulated Mr. Sawong on his appointment and pledged to support him in his new role to ensure continuity and stability within the organization.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Eluh said ICAC had made significant progress since the passage of the Organic Law in 2020, with dedicated officers working to establish the Commission as a functioning national integrity institution.
He said he hoped ICAC would continue to grow into a strong and independent body trusted by Papua New Guineans.
In his remarks, Mr. Sawong thanked the ICAC Appointments Committee for the confidence placed in him through his appointment.
He said it was both an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Papua New Guinea as Acting Commissioner.
Mr. Sawong acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape, in his capacity as chairman of the Appointments Committee, and committee members for their trust.
He also paid tribute to Mr. Eluh for guiding ICAC through its formative years and providing stability during his term as Acting Commissioner from July 2025 to July 2026.
Mr. Sawong said Mr. Eluh had laid a solid foundation on which the Commission could continue to build.
He assured the public that ICAC’s mandate to fight corruption would remain unchanged despite the leadership transition.
One of his immediate priorities, he said, would be to ensure the Commission was strategically organized to effectively investigate and prevent corruption across the country.
Mr. Sawong said work was already underway to strengthen the Commission’s organizational structure and align its priorities with its statutory mandate.
He thanked ICAC staff for their professionalism, commitment and cooperation, saying their dedication would be vital as the Commission continued to grow into a credible and effective integrity institution.