A TRIBUTE AND CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
During Parliamentary Funeral Service of the late founding father Grand Chief Right Honourable
Sir Michael Thomas Somare
GCL GCMG CH CF SSI KSG PC
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
by Hon Samuel H Basil, MP
Member for Bulolo
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Commerce and Industry
Mr Speaker
Kindly through you, let me acknowledge the presence of
- Our Honourable Prime Minister
- Fellow Ministers
- Colleague Members of Parliament
Let me also warmly acknowledge the presence of
- His Excellency Sir Bob Dade, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Second’s Representative as our Head of State; and
- Chief Justice, Sir Gibbs Salika and our Justices of the Supreme Court and National Court
As Member for Bulolo, Parliamentary Leader of United Labour Party, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Commerce and Industry:
I am humbled to rise today and to speak on this occasion especially amid the dignified presence of this august and solemn assembly.
It is not often that one stands in the shadow of earthly greatness. We are gathered here to honour the greatest leader our 45-year-old sovereign state has ever produced.
The amazing thing is that this greater leader we honour today is the spearhead, in securing the independence of the Sovereign State of Papua New Guinea.
He is the principal leader and the driving force, our champion, even our hero, in building the many institutions that we now enjoy and often take for granted.
It was then Hon Michael Thomas Somare that led the team, and the process, from the House of Assembly in 1960’s to Self Government in 1973 and then to independence on 16th September 1975.
The historical record of the achievements of the Grand Chief, Right Honourable, Sir Michael Thomas Somare, GCL GCMG CH CF SSI KSG PC is attached and has become an important litany over the last two weeks since he left us bereaved on Friday, 26th February 2021.
When I was informed about the sad news of our founding father’s passing, I was among East New Britain people being graciously adopted into one of the Tolai clans or “vunatarais” … of the Matupit people.
Noting his birthplace, and his own adoption into another of these Matupit “vunatarais”, there were many solemn whispers using his Tolai name: “ToPalangai has gone to join our forefathers”.
But Mr Speaker, let me reiterate:
Sir Michael was not just a national leader, but a global leader, a leader of leaders. He can stand tall with the likes of Lee Kuan Yu of Singapore, Mahatma Ghandi of India and Nelson Mandela.
But to us, Papua New Guineans, this Sana from Murik Lakes, Angoram, our founding father, is incomparable. He is the only one. He stands apart. He is special. He is dear to all our hearts. And rightly so.
Let me place on record, my thanks and that – I am sure – of many Papua New Guineans… to my brothers and sisters from East Sepik: Thank you for sharing your son, your father, your leader with us all Papua New Guineans.
Many forget that Papua New Guinea, with its 800 plus languages, home to one sixth of the total 6,700 languages globally, is possibly one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.
Each of the language groups are comprised of our many varied tribes and clans. Each is a nation on its own.
Sir Michael, and other founding fathers, did not just have to contend with the colonialists.
They had to deal with the many domestic, diverse and multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic differences; and the natural suspicions … that come with new initiatives.
They had to contend with wide ranging illiteracy – with the uneducated as the majority; And they had to contend with advanced self-determination sentiments of Bougainvilleans… and Papuans.
But their collective efforts, led by the founding father who lies before us, is why we seat in dignity; is why we seat in solemn respect in this Supreme Democratic Institution – the National Parliament as:
- Members of the Executive Government;
- Members of the Legislature with
- Judges from the Judiciary arm of Government.
Mr Speaker,
The Hansard Records of this Honourable House will show the many embarrassing clashes, debates, near physical fights as well as the progressive decisions on policies and legislations made by, and in this, National Parliament.
I recall some instances … when I was directly involved. Two that come to mind, with sadness and great regret, were with Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare:
Once, during the intensity and heat of the moment, I used some insulting words to then Member for Angoram Hon Arthur Somare. That naturally drew the ire of Grand Chief obviously as a father who traded back with threatening words. Both exchanges, while covered by parliamentary privilege, were regrettably unparliamentary.
Another, arose when I was part of this House in 2011 that referred to the Grand Chief as a “Stranger in the House” based on a Parliament vote after his return from Singapore. I recall he had been bed-bound for nearly five months. That vote by Parliament on his ousting – and his Prime Ministership – were later ruled out by the Courts.
I want to assure this Honourable House – and the general public – that Grand Chief and I later reconciled and made our peace, together with the Member for Vanimo-Green Hon Belden Namah, who was my PNG Party Parliamentary Leader when those events occurred.
The fruit of that reconciliation is shown in two ways:
- by the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s handing over of the Pangu Pati flag – when I sought his blessing – to resurrect that National Iconic Party in 2017.
- And in campaigning side by side with the Grand Chief in East Sepik for his daughter and my then Pangu Pati candidate, Ms Dulciana Somare-Brash in 2017.
Ms Somare continues to be one of my valued advisors as I served in the:
- Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Energy; Ministry of Treasury; Ministry of National Planning; and now as
- Deputy Prime Minister and in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Mr Speaker, I want to re-state that:
Grand Chief Sir Michael’s association with Bulolo and even down to my own Buang LLG, descends down historical memory lane to Moneyau – where Pangu Pati was born as the first political party of our country.
It extends to strong ties and friendships with many Morobe Leaders including Boyamo Sali, Jerry Nalau, Titi Christian, and three-term Bulolo MP, Hon Mathew Bendumb.
It embraces Sir Michael’s three terms as Prime Minister with support from Bulolo and Morobe MPs together with many Momase, Islands, Highlands and Papuan MPs.
One of the things, I noticed is that the Sir Michael, not only was a national leader and global leader. He had a personal touch – with an extra large heart – that forgives and let bygones be bygones. He has rightly and truly earned and deserving of the title “Father of Papua New Guinea”. This should therefore be immortalised in our historical records.
With those few words… on behalf of:
- the ULP MPs representing the districts of Kagua-Erave, North Waghi, Lufa, Markham, Sumkar, Rai Coast, Kiriwina-Goodenough and their people;
- the unions affiliates and members nationwide,
- the Department of Commerce and Industry and the Commercial Statutory Authorities;
- my own Bulolo people, my family and staff:
I extend again our heart-felt condolences to Lady Veronica Somare, Bertha, Arthur, Sana, Michael jr, Dulciana, and all the extended family members.
I salute the Grand Chief Right Honourable Sir Michael Thomas Somare;
Thank you, Sir. Farewell. And rest in God’s eternal peace.