Minister Maru Calls for Recognition of Sir Pita Lus
Papua New Guinea Minister for International Trade and Investment and Senior East Sepik MP, Hon. Richard Maru, has urged Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and the Pangu Party to commemorate the late Sir Pita Lus by establishing the Sir Pita Lus School of Excellence in his home district of Maprik.
Minister Maru’s appeal coincides with the 57th anniversary of the Pangu Party. “Sir Pita Lus was a founding member of the pre-independence Pangu Party and a dynamic MP who represented Maprik District for three decades post-independence. He played a pivotal role in leading Papua New Guinea (PNG) to independence, serving with distinction from June 1964. Sir Pita had significant influence on key historical moments, from achieving self-government in 1973 to contributing to the drafting of the Constitution in 1974. He was instrumental in persuading Sir Michael Somare, then a young radio broadcaster, to enter politics, thereby shaping PNG's history,” said Minister Maru.
Minister Maru emphasized the importance of honoring Sir Pita Lus for his contributions. “As a founding member of the Pangu Party, it is imperative that the party honors this great man. He dedicated over 40 years to the parliament and deserves recognition. While other founding fathers have been honored, Sir Pita Lus’s contributions should also be remembered through a school of excellence in his name in Maprik District. This institution would serve as a lasting tribute to the great leader from the pre-independence era.”
Calling for government support, Minister Maru stated, “Sir Pita Lus is an icon of PNG politics, yet there is no lasting memorial for him. On behalf of the people of Maprik, I urge the Prime Minister and the Pangu Party to fund the Sir Lus School of Excellence at Kwari in Bumbita-Muhian LLG of Maprik District. This will ensure his legacy endures. I speak not only for my People First Party (PFP) but also for the people of Maprik and East Sepik Province, as their senior MP and a Senior Minister in the Cabinet, as well as a coalition partner of the Pangu Party.”
Minister Maru made this call during the swearing-in ceremony of two new MPs, including his PFP candidate for Maprik Open, Hon. Libert Kapris. “During our election campaign, we promised the people of Maprik that we would honor Sir Pita Lus, and we seek our coalition partner, the Pangu Party, to help us fulfill this commitment,” said Minister Maru.
In collaboration with the Secretary for the Department of Education, Dr. Uke Kombra, Minister Maru and Hon. Kapris have agreed to work closely to implement this project. Minister Maru plans to submit a proposal to the National Executive Council (NEC) for funding to be included in next year’s budget.
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