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08/27/08
Manning was a true fighter of graft: Morauta
By KESSIE TADAP - The National Newspaper
THE fight against corruption in PNG has faced a setback with the death of Transparency International’s PNG chapter chairman, Michael Manning, a national politician and former prime minister told mourners in a condolence letter read at yesterday’s funeral service in Port Moresby.
Opposition leader Sir Mekere Morauta described Manning as a true anti-corruption activist in PNG and the Asia-Pacific region.
He said Manning was a public commentator who spoke on how change for the better could be brought about.
Sir Mekere is in Australia seeking medical attention.
“I gained strength from Mike’s views” and “relied on his advice and friendship”, the Moresby Northwest MP said.
The Sione Kami Memorial church was filled with family and friends, colleagues and admirers of the late Manning and the Tolai community in the city.
Leaders who turned up to pay their respects included Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane, Deputy Opposition leader Bart Philemon, former parliamentarian Sir Moi Avei and Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat.
Manning joined the Finance Department in PNG as a first secretary in 1976. He left and worked in the private sector in the 1990s, especially in the agriculture sector.
Mr Philemon described Manning as a Papua New Guinean who gave all that he could give.
“He had pride in his country of adoption and was enthusiastic of agriculture and the development of PNG.”
He said Manning spoke against what was wrong fearlessly and with honesty, and was vocal about good governance, accountability and transparency.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, who was in Niue, in a statement passed his condolences to Manning’s family.
He said Manning’s contributions to the development of PNG could not be underestimated and that PNG had lost a son.
“While I have not always agreed with his views on issues, I respect his courage to speak his mind without fear or favour,” Sir Michael said.
He died at 65 years of age and is survived by his Tolai wife Relly and children Allen, Belinda, James, David, Katie and Samuel and grandchildren.
The body of Manning will be laid to rest at his wife’s Baai village in Rabaul, East New Britain province.
