One of the last of Papua New Guinea’s founding fathers and one of the country’s longest serving politicians, Sir Julius Chan, has died.
Sir Julius passed away at his home in Huris, New Ireland province, where he has served as governor since 2007.
In recent years, the 85-year-old has been commonly referred to as “one of the last founding fathers”, after the deaths of other independence leaders, including PNG’s first prime minister Sir Michael Somare.
His death comes as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50th year of independence.
During his long political career, Sir Julius served two terms as prime minister, initially in 1980 after toppling Sir Michael in a vote of no confidence.
He also served as deputy prime minister and finance minister, which saw him credited for building PNG’s modern-day economy.
In a statement, Sir Julius’ wife and children said he passed away peacefully at midday, surrounded by family and friends.
“We thank all those who have stood by him, and those who have shared his legacy throughout his political life from pre-independence to the time of his passing,” the statement reads.
“He was a political icon transcending generations and his legacy will remain forever in the pages of our history books and more so in the hearts of so many.
“God bless and welcome our dear Julius into your loving arms.”
In a message to cabinet members, PNG Prime Minister James Marape said it was a sad day for the country.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace. He is gone but he will not be forgotten,” he said.
Sir Julius was born in 1939 on Tangar Island, off the east coast of New Britain island, to a migrant Chinese father and indigenous PNG mother.
He lived through World War II and was later sent to Australia to attend high school.
In 1997, while serving as prime minister, Sir Julius was involved in the controversial Sandline Affair that saw South African, British and Australian mercenaries brought to PNG to assist in the Bougainville civil war.
It followed a US$36 million deal struck with UK-based private military company Sandline International.
The move was met with international uproar, including from Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer and prime minister John Howard.
It also triggered a heated dispute with then-head of the PNG defence force Jerry Singirok, and Sir Julius soon resigned from his position as prime minister.
In an autobiography published in 2016, Sir Julius said he had asked the Australian government for military assistance during the conflict, but it was denied.
He and his wife Stella have four children, Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea — the latter named after the PNG currency that Sir Julius created
His death comes hours before an event to unveil PNG’s 50th Anniversary logo and theme, ahead of the golden jubilee on 16 September.
Marape said Thursday night’s event would focus on remembering the founding father and celebratory fireworks would no longer go ahead as planned.