Learn from Sir Michael’s life

I PASS my condolences to the family of our late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare on his passing.
Our founding father was filled with charisma.
During his term as prime minister, he showed us the true spirit of unity despite our diverse cultures.
He carried Papua New Guinea in his heart all the way to his deathbed.
Our grand chief has set a very high precedent in terms of showing great leadership in politics.
Sir Michael was a true patriot.
His history shall resonate in our hearts and minds for as long as our country lives.
Some of the lessons which aspiring politicians ought to learn from this great PNG politician:

• HE was committed to one wife – This remarkable person truly stayed true to his wife and family with no other marital affairs. Sir Michael proved that having a stable and strong family is the surest way a person will thrive as a leader. His ensured his family was stable and I adore him for that.
• HE expressed himself with no fear or favour – Sir Michael spoke from his heart with no fear or favour. He stood for what he believed was right. The love for his country made him successful despite the little education he had at first. Sir Michael faced uncertainty with boldness because he had a clean heart. He saw all Papua New Guineans as equal daughters and sons of his.
• HE had big dreams and visions – Grand Chief had big visions and dreams not for himself and his family but the country. He spoke on anything that he saw unfit for Papua New Guinea and was always vocal about them even in his retirement years. His dream was to make Papua New Guinea a great nation despite our many shortcomings.

Our current and aspiring politicians should learn from Sir Michael.

Maru Igabi