Wednesday 04th April 2023
The Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, on behalf of the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council, has expressed his sorrow at the passing of the late Sir Rabbie Namaliu.
He also conveyed his sincere condolences to the family of the Late Former Prime Minister and senior Statesman, who passed away on Friday 31 March 2023.
Mr Pomaleu in expressing his sympathy said Sir Rabbie, who was born on 3 April 1947 until his passing on 31 March 2023, was an outstanding Papua New Guinean politician.
“This news has been received with shock and sadness for a lot of Papua New Guineans as he was our former Prime Minister who had a vision to move PNG to greater heights.
“Sir Rabbie served as the fourth Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea from 4 July 1988 to 17 July 1992 as leader of the Pangu Pati.
“Sir Rabbie was a man of great vision, patience, and was a champion for consensus who aspired for an improved Papua New Guinea, and for a successful people.”
Mr Pomaleu described Sir Rabbie as an outstanding scholar and was among a handful of well-educated and experienced advisors, who helped shaped important conversations on politics and independence, while supporting leaders in the likes of the later Great Grand Chief, Sir Michael Thomas Somare, in the formative years of this country.
“Later in politics he proved himself as a formidable leader of our country, and eventually served in the role of the Prime Minister for just over four years, during some turbulent periods of our country. “
Mr Pomaleu said the Late Sir Rabbie continued to serve the country with honor and loyalty in business and community service, after retiring from politics, adding, he was an outstanding advisor, political leader and business leader and a mentor to many people and will surely be missed by his family, those who knew him and Papua New Guinea, and abroad.
“We sincerely thank Sir Rabbie for the tremendous contributions he made to Papua New Guinea and thank God for his life as we remember Sir Rabbie in this time of sorrow.
“We also thank the people of Raluana village, and the East New Britain province for gifting this country with this outstanding leader.
“May he rest in God’s eternal grace.”.