Sir Rabbie Namaliu - an inherent decency and unbridled integrity

Remarkably he led the negotiations to open the Misima Mine and the first commercial oil field, he has just about delivered the Porgera gold and copper mine.

The stability of his government was challenged when his Deputy PM, Ted Diro, was forced to stand down by the ombudsman.

This prevented his public service reform plan being implemented.

But the economy did not collapse. The government lived within its means.

When he left politics he carved out a very successful corporate sector career. I think serving on six boards...including ironically Bougainville Copper!

I was instrumental in persuading him to serve as PNG Patron of the YWAM Medical Ships program. It's a role he embraced with enthusiasm.

As PM and Foreign Minister he enjoyed excellent relations with Australian PMs Bob Hawke and Paul Keating. The Keating visit to PNG for the 50th anniversary of the battle for Kokoda was a career highlight.

He will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends, and the corporate sector.

It was a privilege to work with him. We never had an argument over 30 plus years.

He has been taken too soon.

May he rest in peace.