Basil loved by many, says deputy speaker

THE late Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil was loved by many all over the country and was an iconic leader, says Deputy Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan.
Iguan, who is also the member for Markham, said that Basil’s death was a great loss to the country and Morobe, as many had faith in him that he would form the new government.
“He was the hope and strength for many of us, the strength of Basil’s leadership was proven when he revived Pangu,” Iguan said.
“The father of Pangua Pati, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, symbolically handed Basil the leadership baton when he presented him with the Pangu flag during the last term of Parliament and wished him well in rebuilding the well-respected party to what it is today.
“But due to some issues, Basil broke away from Pangu and started his own party, the United Labour Party (ULP).
“This was supposed to be the first time that the ULP would contest in the general election, but he left us on the eve of election and we still cannot accept that he is gone, he was a unique leader who inspired many.”
ULP treasurer and party election coordinator Reuben Giusu said he agreed with Iguan, saying that Basil revived the Pangu Pati and built it to what it was today.
“I was with him since 2015 and the late Member for Goilala William Samb during those early days when he was trying to revive the Pangu Pati shortly after the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare gave him the Pangu flag.
“He garnered grassroots support from all over the country, he was a firebrand leader who inspired many to stand with him to fight for his dream for a better Papua New Guinea, but what he was most passionate about was rural development.”
“As a result, Pangu Pati did well, especially in Morobe, winning nine seats in the 2017 national election.”
Giusu said that the passing of great leaders like Basil and Samb was a big loss to the country and passed his condolences to their families and their people.