NEW OVERSIGHT BOARD SHOULD BE BLAMED FOR KOIM'S RESIGNATION

DECEMBER 06, 2025

PAPUA NEW GUINEA'S Internal Revenue Commissioner (IRC) Sam Koim has stepped out from his role signalled deep concern over the amendments that is before Parliament that would place the country's top revenue office under a new oversight board.

Koim's resignation comes after the Government tabled changes to the IRC Act, which would hand a board broad operational powers previously held by the Commissioner-General. The out-going tax chief, who oversaw a record K17 billion collection in 2024, said the policy shift risked weakening the agency's independence despite its current achievements.

The amendments form part of the measures linked to IMF loan conditions aimed at boosting PNG's revenue mobilisation. The reform would allow an appointed board to supervise operational areas that have long been under monocratic authority, a model Koim insist has proven effective.

During consultation, Koim argued for the current 2014 IRC Act which already provides strategic oversight through an internal Commission led by Commissioner-General, supported by both internal and external accountability systems.

"Granting a board such extensive and overarching powers - right into operational matters - could undermined the monocratic authority of the Commissioner-General," Koim warned.

Koim questioned the need for the reform tied to the IMF's push for an overnight board, saying no evidence has been presented that the existing was failing.

"Where is the evidence that our current mechanisms are failing? None has been presented," he said, noting revenue had doubled from K8 billion in 2020 to K17 billion.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey earlier defended the proposal, saying it aligns IRC with public-sector restructuring and strengthens transparency, risks control and budget consistency. Supporters maintain the hybrid model mirrors global tax administrations handling large revenue flows.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly acknowledged IRC's strong performance, highlighting that nearly 30 per cent of the 2025 national budget target had already been secured. However, Koim's recent online comment has stoked debate: "What happens when you leave the blood bank in the hands of a known vampire to look after."