Hard to repeat his feats: PM

By MALUM NALU
THE record set by Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in the nation’s political history will be hard to emulate, according to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
Paying tribute to him yesterday on his final day as a Member of Parliament, O’Neill said: “I can say with certainty that the record we are honouring today is going to take a long time to repeat.
“Today is exactly 49 years since Sir Michael Somare took his seat in the House of Assembly in Port Moresby.
“It is very fitting that on this day, we recognise the service of the Grand Chief to Parliament and to the nation.
“The period of 49 years in Parliament and the House of Assembly that preceded it, is a record in our country and in the Commonwealth.
“I know the House acknowledges and expresses our gratitude for his service to our nation.”
Sir Michael is retiring from politics after his final term as an MP and as the East Sepik governor.
O’Neill said yesterday was an historic occasion for the nation, for Sir Michael and for Parliament.
O’Neill thanked Sir Michael for the significant role he played in attaining independence for the country.
“There were many who said that Papua New Guinea could not become an independent nation for decades to come,” he said.
“He (Sir Michael) fought against intolerance and doubt, often based on racial bias, and told the world that Papua New Guinea could and would become an independent State.
“His position was supported by so many eminent people of our nation and he turned that support into a plan for independence.
“These are the founding fathers of our nation and are immortal in our hearts.
“Their contribution laid the foundations of the great nation we continue to build today.”
O’Neill said Sir Michael was supported during this transition to independence by the first department heads who served him with distinction, including the late Sir Anthony Siaguru, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and the late Sir Buri Kidu.
“Our move to independence was peaceful and organised, and laid the foundations for the great nation that we have today,” he said.
O’Neill paid special tribute to Sir Michael’s family “who have been his rock over such a long period in public life”.
“I know the House and the nation will join with me in expressing our gratitude and best wishes to Lady Veronica,” he said.
“We thank her for her wonderful support for the grand chief throughout his long career in this House.
“I also thank his children who have supported him and contributed in their own way, to our nation and our community.”