The Namaliu Diary

Highlights of Rabbie Namaliu’s two years as Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister.

July 1988-July 1990:

1988

July 4 Voted into offi. e in a successful 58-50 vote of no-confidence against Paias

Wingti.

Aug 10 Announces new policy placing emphasis on constitutional reforms, laws and order, economic growth and employment creation, and education.

Nov 8 First Budget Kll9O million.

Nov 22 Bougainville issue begins with the theft of a large quantity of explosives and destruction by militants. Troops called in December 1988. Continued destruction and killings. Mine closes May 15 1989. Government declares state of emergency July 22. More violence, resulting in over 100 deaths, mass destruction and mass exodus of people and closure of most business in the province. Troops withdrawn in March 1990 and rebels declare independence for Bougainville. Attempts for peace talks continue to fail.

Dec 12 Youths go on riot in Port Moresby.

1989

Feb 9 Soldiers go on street riot in Port Moresby.

March 2 Bid to limit vote of no-confidence motion put to Parliament.

March 3 Opposition puts first motion of no-confidence in Namaliu which was subsequently withdrawn on July 4. Major public outcry against the Opposition for its move.

March 23 Man shot dead in rampage and street battle in Port Moresby when a peace march turned nasty.

April 9 Namaliu makes nationwide appeal for peace as Bougainville situation worsens.

May 24-28 Namaliu visits Australia to discuss aid, Bougainville and assure investors.

June 30 Communications Minister Malipu Balakau is gun down in Mount Hagen a victim of rising serious crimes.

Aug 14 Namaliu assures of foreign investor confidence despite Bougainville.

Sept 6 Major rampage and looting in Lae. Thousands of kina damage and theft.

Nov 1 Second vote of no-confidence put to Parliament but withdrawn again.

Nov 9 Namaliu Government’s second Budget, K 1250 million.

Nov 20 Burns Philp strike.

Dec 25 Governor-General Sir Ignatius Kilage dies from illness.

1990

Jan Namaliu and former Prime Ministers, Somare, Chan and Wingti meet in an attempt to discuss and find solution to economic crisis. “It’s no longer the number game . . . it’s the survival of the country because things are going bad and they are going to get worse,” they said. Nothing achieved and further talks abandoned.

Jan 9 Kina devalued by 10 per cent “to stave off a fast depleting foreign exchange reserves and tipping balance of payment.”

Feb 8 International Monetary Fund called in to help ailing economy. It gives KBB million, and suggests austerity measures.

March 19 Housing Minister Gerard Sigulogo is dismissed from Parliament after found guilty on 8 of 10 charges of misconduct in office.

March 15 Police Commissioner Paul Tohian dismissed from office for alleged coup attempt. Currently facing treason charges with two senior policemen.

April 15 Jails Commissioner Pious Kerepia is stabbed to death at his Port Moresby

home by three youths.

May 17/18 Namaliu attends World Bank Consultative Group Meeting in Singa pore and secures K7lO million in grants and concessional loans.

June 7 Namaliu announces major economic reforms.

July 4 Third motion of no-confidence in Namaliu withdrawn July 12.