Wednesday 04th April 2023
The Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, today paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Member for Kokopo, Rt. Hon. Sir Rabbie Namaliu, describing him, as a man of honour and great dignity, and a proud Papua New Guinean who exemplified outstanding leadership during his term as the fourth Prime Minister of the country
Sir Rabbie passed away last Friday 31 March 2023, in his home province, East New Britain.
Sir Bob said Sir Rabbie was one of Papua New Guinea’s finest leaders and senior Statesman.
“His life was a service of honour and great dignity, his career in the public service began pre – independence and he was one of the few Papua New Guineans that put together the public service policies as well as the National Constitution.
“Sir Rabbie was a proud Papua New Guinean, passionate about upholding the rule of law and especially the National Constitution and I had the rare honour and privilege of being in the company of our former Prime Ministers Sir Rabbie, Sir Julius Chan and our Founding Father, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in New Ireland province in 2020.
“Each of these great men had a left a lasting impression on me and for Sir Rabbie, I was honoured by the presence of a man of great dignity, a proud Tolai (East New Britain) and above all, a passionate and proud Papua New Guinean and senior Statesman.”
Sir Bob said the passing of Sir Rabbie is a great loss for Papua New Guinea and the people of East New Britain.
“Lady Emeline joins me in conveying to the immediate family and people of East New Britain, our condolences as well as our thoughts and prayers during this time of mourning.
“May God’s grace be our comfort and guidance during this difficult time.”