Casket of Schulze lies in-state as MPs pay respect

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
MEMBERS of parliament paid tribute to the late Ludwig Schulze yesterday, describing the Angoram MP as courageous, strong, soft-spoken and a great leader.
He died in Port Moresby last week and his casket was laid in-state in the parliament chamber according to state protocol which allows that when the house was in session for the March sitting.
Leading MPs including Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Deputy  Prime Minister Leo Dion, opposition leader Belden Namah and his deputy Sam Basil paid their respects and  acknowledged Schulze was courageous, strong, soft-spoken and a great leader.
The MPs expressed admiration, sadness and gratitude and conveyed their condolences to his family and relatives, as well as the people of Angoram.
O’Neill said Schulze was a great loss
to parliament and especially the people of Angoram and the country.
“His passing is a loss to this parliament. There are no words to fully express the heartfelt sorrow of his passing. People of PNG and the government would like to offer to the people of Angoram and the family and relatives our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you, the family,” he said in parliament.
Namah said Schulze was a man of great courage and dignity.
“He was found to be much matured, intelligent, a man of strong leadership and quality. He was soft spoken and gave matured advice. This is a great loss to the people of Angoram and PNG,” Namah said.
He said he was very saddened to hear of his death a week ago. 
Dion described Schulze as “strong and energetic” when he first knew him in the early 1990s.
A motion of condolence was moved and parliament was adjourned to today.