The Government has been asked on what it is doing to recognise retired and soon to retire founding fathers of the country.
Sinesine-Yongomugl MP, Kerenga Kua, said Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who is retiring after more than 40 years in politics, and former leader Sir Peter Lus, who also served around 40 years in politics, deserve recognition as a form of “luksave” according to PNG custom.
“Bai yumi gat sampla spesol luksave igo long Sir Peter Lus na Sir Michael Somare taim em ba pinis long displa term or nogat?
“Such as for example, igat spesol projek igo long ol pipol bilong Maprik, long neim blo Sir Peter Lus na wankain igo olsem lo kontribusen blo Sir Michael Somare?” asked Kua.
(We will have special recognition for Sir Peter Lus and Sir Michael Somare when he retires after this term? For example, will there be special projects for the people of Maprik, in honour of Sir Peter Lus and likewise for Sir Michael Somare?)
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said Parliament and the country recognised the founding fathers and many other leaders who have gone before us. However, he said there was no policy on what recognition be accorded to senior statesmen.
He said the Government has provided Sir Peter with some form of financial compensation for his contribution to the country and has also received proposals from the East Sepik Government to look at recognising Grand Chief Somare.
“We are all familiar with our traditional obligations and I want to assure our people of the nation that we will do everything possible to give the recognition that is deserving of these leaders,” said O’Neill.
(File picture of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare)