Opposition Leader Don Polye has described Sir Michael Thomas Somare as a "selfless and determined" leader.
Polye when thanking Sir Michael for what he has done during his 80th birthday celebration in Wewak, said Sir Michael had the heart for PNG and not only ESP.
He said Sir Michael had done so much for the country and produced many young vibrant leaders to get the country forward.
Polye presented an artist portrait of himself and Sir Michael waving hands as a sign of following the footsteps of the great leader.
Meanwhile, Treasurer and National Alliance leader Patrick Pruaitch has called on Polye and Pangu Pati leader Sam Basil to work together and carry on Sir Michael's leadership.
Pruaitch announcement brought a huge uproar from the people supporting the call.
He said it's about time Sir Michael's 'babies ' continue his leadership.
Sir Michael turns 80 today and has been in Parliament since pre-independence until now.