PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill pays Tribute at Former Australian Prime Minister Fraser’s Funeral Service

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, paid tribute on behalf of Papua New Guinea to former Australian Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Malcolm Fraser AC CH, at his funeral service at Scott’s Church in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill extended his condolences to members of the Fraser family, many of whom spoke at the funeral service. “I expressed sympathy on behalf of Papua New G

uinea to Mr Fraser’s Family.

“The funeral service for Malcolm Fraser was a heartfelt commemoration of a true man of conviction. “Mr Fraser’s reputation as a great leader, who helped Papua New Guinea attain independence in 1975, has always lived on in Papua New Guinea. His clear support for Papua New Guinea’s independence was unwavering and highly appreciated by our country.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill further noted Mr Fraser’s respect for Papua New Guineans and leadership on sensitive issues. “Many people have heard the story of Mr Fraser, as Minister for the Defence in Australia in 1970, stepping in to prevent a military call out during the Mataungan uprising.

“Mr Fraser’s measured response to Mataungan uprising in the colonial period is a demonstration of his understanding of the people of the emerging nation of Papua New Guinea. “This understanding and respect continued as Papua New Guinea gained independence while Mr Fraser was in Opposition and then when he became Prime Minister of Australia.”

“Papua New Guinea thanks Mr Fraser for his commitment and service to our nation.” Malcolm Fraser was made a Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu in 2010 for his service to people of Papua New Guinea and to the Papua New Guinea-Australia bilateral relationship.