Parlt confirms Menyamya MP’s death

MENYAMYA MP Thomas Pelika passed away yesterday, according to acting Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa.
He said a parliamentary staff would be sent to Lae today.
“I got the call from National Planning and Monitoring Minister and Bulolo MP Sam Basil informing us of the news,” he said.
“Basil has just left for Lae so he will also inform us of the arrangements on the ground.
“The arrangements have not been confirmed and for that reason Parliament is sending our officer to Lae to meet with the family and confirm details of the (funeral) arrangements.”
His first secretary John Nere said Parliament staff were informed by his daughter yesterday morning.
Nere said Pelika was admitted at the Angau General Hospital after he suffered a stroke.
He was serving his third parliamentary term.
He was first elected Menyamya MP in 1992 and served as minister in various portfolios.
He retained the seat in the 1997 elections and became Minister for Internal Affairs.
He also served in other portfolios.
He regained the seat in the 2017 general election under the Pangu Pati banner and appointed assistant Speaker, chairman of the law and order parliamentary committee and member of other committees.