Former IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim Enters Politics, Nominates for Dei Open By-Election

Mt Hagen, 10 December 2025: Former Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) Commissioner General Sam Koim has officially nominated to contest the Dei Open By-Election, marking a major shift from public administration to frontline politics. Koim lodged his nomination papers in Mt Hagen today, confirming he will contest as an independent candidate.

Koim’s entry into the race is expected to draw significant national attention, given his high-profile career in law, anti-corruption work, and tax administration over the last decade.

A lawyer by profession, Koim first served in the Solicitor General’s Office, rising from legal officer to Principal Legal Officer, where he defended the State in constitutional, administrative, and civil matters.

He came to national prominence in 2011 when he was appointed Chairman of the Investigation Task Force Sweep, a multi-agency anti-corruption body tasked with exposing misuse of public funds and government procurement irregularities. The unit’s work placed Koim at the centre of some of the country’s most politically sensitive corruption probes.

Koim was appointed Acting Commissioner General of the IRC in August 2019, and confirmed permanently in January 2020. His tenure was defined by a strong compliance agenda and institutional reform. He warned early that the IRC would rigorously pursue tax evasion, famously telling non-compliant taxpayers: “We will find you.”

Under his leadership, annual tax collections reportedly increased from K6–8 billion to around K17 billion by 2024, supported by improved systems, digital reforms, and enforcement measures. In 2025, Koim oversaw the full restoration of IRC’s tax administration systems after technical disruptions,  an achievement publicly commended by the Prime Minister.

Koim resigned on 9 December 2025 following government plans to introduce an external IRC Board, a move he warned could weaken the institution’s independence and operational effectiveness. His departure after six years atop the agency set the stage for today’s announcement.

Born in Gumanch village in Western Highlands Province and a son of the Dei electorate, Koim’s decision to run is seen by observers as a major political test for a figure long associated with governance integrity and institutional reform.

Brief History of How & Where the Name Kagamuga Came About

Kagamuga means " lady with big bum" in Oksapmin dialect, Teliformin District, West Sepik Province. Kaga " lady" Muga " big bum".

Geographically, Teliformin  District is located on the Sepik Central Range along the Bismark Peninsula that stretches through the Highlands Region and covers some parts of Momase Region. It shares border with Indonesia on the eastern end and with our provincial borders Western Province, ESP, Enga, Hela & SHP. 

There is no such word as " Kagamuga" in Melpa Dialect that you could find in WHP. During the colonial era, White Administrators (Kiaps) brought in casual labourers from different parts of PNG to work on the Kagamuga Airport project including Teliformin people to work alongside with Western Highlanders & Jiwakas. Kiaps would assign people with different tasks. Teliformin women were assigned to carry out the task of rollers for compacting and stabilizing the soil/ground given their physique body built. They would join hands in straight line, chanting and singing their favourite traditional songs whilst jumping to and fro compacting the soil/ground with their bear feet. It was all purely done by manpower using physical strength. No machineries involved at that time.

Kiaps could/would see their breast swung to and fro including their bums. Kiaps felt appropriate that the airport should be named after them as Kagamuga as a token of appreciation for their tireless commitment to the development of the airport. That's how name Kagamuga came about in Oksapmin dialect meaning " lady with big bum".

Thanks to all the people of Telifomin for your significant contribution to the development of Kagamuga Airport that is today enjoyed by many people.

Some even further worked on the plantations at Kindeng and Kudjip with then Warren Plantations & Estates, now WR Carpenters- the producer of National No: 1 tea. Special one to all the "Kagamugas" out there. You're not forgotten by us. We still keep your name alive!