“Sir Rabbie emerged from a simple missionary family into becoming an extra ordinary Papua New Guinean.”
These was one of the remarks of PNG Prime Minister James Marape, in his tribute during the State Funeral of the 4th Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Sir Rabbie Namaliu, at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby today.
PM Marape said it had fallen on him the solemn responsibility to preside over the passing of three former Prime Ministers of our country; all whom have played significant roles in the formative years of our country, whether in politics or as public servants.
“All of them have laid the foundational building blocks that have anchored our unity and democracy.”
“On behalf of Rachel and our children, the National Government, the Pangu Pati, and the people of PNG, I rise to say few words on the occasion of the passing of our 4th Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Rt. Honorable Sir Rabbie Namaliu, GL, KCMG, PC.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the Late Sir Rabbie’s many accomplishments, many of which were the first of its kind when Papua New Guinea first gained independence.
“He was amongst the first students for UPNG in 1966. He was in the first UPNG graduation in 1970. He was amongst the first of PNGeans to do postgraduate overseas. He was amongst the first National lecturer at UPNG. He was the first Chief of Staff equivalent to our then Chief Minister Somare prior to independence in 1975.”
“He was the first Chief of Staff to our first Prime Minister Somare; He was a key member of the Constitutional Planning Committee. He became our country’s 4th Prime Minister; He was the second Pangu Pati Leader to be Prime Minister. He was made member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council in 1989; and He held many portfolios and public offices from 1982 up till 2007 and since then has never re contested public offices, and many more unparalleled achievements.”
PM Marape also said he appreciated all of those who were present at the funeral service and those who were watching the funeral broadcast, as they were paying respect to a Papua New Guinean giant who assisted the fathers of the country achieve sovereignty and nationhood.
“Sir Rabbie was an inspirational leader with strong Christian and Melanesian cultural influence that dictated his work and life of service to our country.”
“He is a wonderful example where we all can learn from in all facets of life and character; so that we too can contribute to our country the way Sir Rabbie and his generation of Papua New Guineans have done.”
Before he ended his speech, Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the kind gesture and willingness of Sir Rabbie’s clan and family, and the people of Raluana, Kokopo and East New Britain for allowing Sir Rabbie to be buried on Independence Hill.
“It is of paramount significance to the people of this country that you have allowed your son, your father, your brother, your uncle, and your big chief to be rested with a couple of former Prime Ministers under the shadows of Independence Hill.”
Marape said it is a fitting gesture to be accorded to a national icon who helped build this great country. May his resting place serve as an important reminder to us and those who will come after us that this country was built on the shoulders of great men like Sir Rabbie Namaliu.
“It is with great sadness that I must say once again that Papua New Guinea has lost another great leader.”
“He will be greatly missed by his family, the people of Raluana, Kokopo, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, the Pangu Pati family and all those who knew and worked with him throughout his living years.”