Sir Julius Chan, a towering figure in Papua New Guinea's politics, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 85. Known as the "Last Man Standing," he was one of the last remaining founding members of Parliament from the Independence era. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and appreciation from across the nation.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 29, 1939, on the Tanga Islands in the Territory of New Guinea, Sir Julius was the fifth child of seven. His father, Chan Pak, was a trader from Taishan, China, and his mother, Miriam Tinkoris, was a native New Irelander. Sir Julius was educated at Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, where he honed his skills in English, Cantonese, Tok Pisin, and Sursurunga.
We reviewed Sir J's Book, Playing The Game, in 2021 - just before the 2022 elections. A good read - click here for more.
Political Career
Sir Julius entered politics in the late 1960s, representing the Namatanai district of New Ireland province in the pre-independence House of Assembly. He was re-elected multiple times and held various significant positions, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
His first term as Prime Minister began in 1980, following a successful vote of no confidence motion against his close friend and then-Prime Minister Michael Somare.
Contributions and Controversies
Sir Julius's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by bold decisions that shaped Papua New Guinea's modern economy. He was instrumental in creating the kina and toea, the country's currency. However, his leadership was not without controversy. The most notable was the "Sandline Affair" in 1997, where he hired foreign mercenaries to end the Bougainville civil war, drawing international criticism.
In addition to the Sandline Affair, Sir Julius Chan implemented significant reforms to the provincial government system in 1995. These reforms aimed to address the challenges of decentralization, which had led to corruption, nepotism, and poor administration at the provincial level.
The reforms shifted authority to local levels of government, reducing the power of provincial governments. This move faced substantial resistance from provincial premiers, particularly from the New Guinea Islands, which saw themselves as distinct from the mainland.
Legacy and Personal Life
Despite the controversies, Sir Julius's legacy is one of resilience and vision. He played a crucial role in expanding Papua New Guinea's higher education system, overseeing the creation of four additional universities during his tenure as Prime Minister. His contributions to education and economic development have left an indelible mark on the nation.
Sir Julius was married to Stella Chan, and they had four children: Vanessa, Byron, Mark, and Toea. His family and the people of Papua New Guinea continue to honour his memory and the lasting impact of his work.
Remembering Sir Julius Chan
As Papua New Guinea mourns the loss of one of its most influential leaders, Sir Julius Chan's legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His dedication to his country and his unwavering commitment to progress have cemented his place in history as a true statesman and visionary.
