O’Neill praises Sir Mekere’s commitment to public

IALIBU-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill has praised the late Sir Mekere Morauta as a committed public servant who served as the sixth prime minister.
O’Neill, he is also a former prime minister, extended his condolences to Lady Roslyn and son James, saying he had known Sir Mekere for several decades.
“And while we may not have agreed on everything, this does not diminish my respect for his commitment to public service,” O’Neill said.
“Sir Mekere served the nation as the sixth prime minister with diligence, and he stood firm for his beliefs.”
Kikori MP Soroe Eoi said Sir Mekere had set the highest goals for Gulf to aspire to.
“I am indeed saddened by the passing of my elder brother from Gulf, an outstanding individual who set highest goals for us to aspire to,” he said.
Alotau MP Charles Abel described Sir Mekere as a “successful reformist prime minister”.
“Sir Mekere was a successful bureaucrat, politician and businessman.
“He was probably the most successful reformist prime minister despite holding the office for only a short time,” he said.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop said the passing of Sir Mekere was a “loss not only to his family but also to Port Moresby and the country”.
“He was serving his fourth term as Moresby North-West MP.
“He served as prime minister from 1999 to 2002 and had a long distinguished career in the public service before entering politics.”
Former chief secretary Isaac Lupari described the late Sir Mekere as a visionary leader who has left behind a lasting legacy.
“His contribution to public service as a senior public servant and department head, Governor of the Bank of PNG, minister and prime minister is unsurpassed,” Lupari said.