And there has been an outpouring of grief in Morobe as senior leaders expressed sorrow over Sir Michael's passing.
Close friend, school mate, and former Morobe Premier, Sir Jerry Nalau, said the Grand Chief was a great man who united the nation.
He said he lived by his traditional principles where he gave everything to his people.
Former Lae MP, Bart Philemon, who shed tears, encouraged the current leaders to continue Sir Michael's legacy and to stand united for PNG.
25 фев 2021