EAST New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG) has allocated K300, 000 to assist funeral arrangements for the Late Senior Statesman Sir Rabbie Namaliu.
The funding was endorsed on Tuesday 4th April 2023 during a special Provincial Executive Council (PEC) meeting in Kokopo.
Governor Michael Marum said the purpose of the special PEC meeting was to seek PEC approval for the province to take co-ownership of the provincial haus krai program and other necessary arrangement.
He said the K300, 000 will go towards assisting all other activities to fund the provincial program for repatriation, funeral and burial arrangement.
Governor Marum who is also the chairman for finance said that ENBPG and PNG was saddened by the news of the sudden death of senior statesman on the 31st of March, 2023.
Sir Rabbie served as the fourth Prime Minister of PNG from 04th July, 1988 to 17 July, 1992 as leader of the Pangu Party.
Prior to his political carrier, he was an academic in the field of political science at the University of PNG.
Sir Rabbie was born in his home province of ENB as an ethnic Tolai. He started his education journey in his home province and went on for further studies at the UPNG and then to University of Victoria, British Colombia.
He was one of the leading civil servants after PNG’s independence in 1975 together with late Mekere Morauta, Anthony Siaguru and Charles Lepani who led the formation of public administration and public policy in PNG’s immediate post-independence years.
Sir Rabbie held high profile portfolios prior to becoming PNG’s 4th Prime Minister including member of the Imperial Privy Council and attaining the right Honorable rank.
Governor Marum said the provincial administration will establish two working committees to facilitate process of decision making and leadership while another will be responsible for operational of the program.
“Sir Rabbie was a true leader of ENB and inspiration to all. His effort has contributed immensely to the developments in ENB and PNG at large,” said Mr Marum.
He said the provincial leaders will ensure that Sir Rabbie is accorded proper exit and given ceremonial gesture of respect.
The Governor said the PEC plans to observed Sir Rabbie funeral arrangement under provincial and national protocols, with due respect to participate in the provincial program to receive his casket.
Meanwhile, other government agencies and State-Owned Enterprises are also expected to contribute towards the funeral and burial arrangement.
