The Late Thomas Netato Pelika, Member for Menyamya, was described as a fearless man who boldly represented his people.
The Morobean leader passed away at the Angau Memorial Hospital on the morning of October 30th in Lae after a short illness.
During his funeral on Friday at the Marimari Lutheran Church at Five-Mile, Port Moresby, Prime Minister James Marape said: “In the time I served with him in the last two years in Parliament, he broke every Parliamentary protocol to speak for the matters pertaining to his people’s interest. He spoke fearlessly in the parliament to raise matters that are so close to his people’s heart.”
Furthermore, as per the Melanesian Way, Prime Minister Marape has committed to assist the haus krai through the Governor for Morobe, who will represent the Pangu Party.
Prime Minister Marape promised that his government will try to fulfill some of the dreams of the Late Member Pelika.
“As government, we will not satisfy every intent of his dream but we will give our best shot to ensure that in this year or next, as we chart our way as a nation, we can do what he has been dreaming to do for Menyamya.”
Also paying tribute was Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae, who said the Late Member always kept to the point and never beat around the bush when it came to expressing his people’s interest in parliament.
Meanwhile, Parliament speaker Job Pomat said in this tenth parliament, Late Pelika was the first member the parliament has lost.
Late Pelika is survived by his wife Delma Atu, three daughters and a son, and grandchildren.
(Article by Albert Moses - third year UPNG journalism student)