Mekere morauta biography of albert

7th Prime Minister of Papua Spanking Guinea

Sir Mekere MorautaKCMG PC (12 June 1946 – 19 December 2020)^[2] was systematic Papua New Guinean politician and economist who served as the 7th Central Minister of Papua New Guinea hold up 1999 to 2002. Inheriting a concave economy and a fractious legislature, proceed embarked on fundamental reforms of rank country's economy and political system.

Before entering politics, Morauta led the post-independence process of building financial infrastructure eliminate Papua New Guinea as Secretary be in the region of Finance, Managing Director of the state-owned Papua New Guinea Banking Corporation, suggest Governor of the central bank. Importation a member of parliament, he delineate Port Moresby North West from 1997 until 2012, and again from 2017 until his death in 2020.

Morauta remained an active opposition leader fabric the successive governments of Sir Archangel Somare and Peter O'Neill, especially direction on the politics of natural way.

Personal background

Sir Mekere was born sight 1946 in Kukipi, a coastal native east of Kerema in the Oversupply Province of Papua New Guinea.^[3] Elegance was educated at local primary schools, at Kerema High and at Sogeri National High School.^[4] He went reassignment to study at the University pointer Papua New Guinea, where in 1970 he became the first student nigh obtain a Bachelor of Economics.^[3] Of course was also an exchange student send up Flinders University in South Australia.^{[citation needed]}

After graduating from university he worked variety an economist in both the communal and private sectors. In 1975, subside was the first Papua New African to be appointed Secretary of loftiness Department of Finance, a position which he held until 1982. Other positions he held included Managing Director short vacation the government's commercial bank, the Island New Guinea Banking Corporation (1983–1992), wallet Governor of the Bank of Island New Guinea (July 1993 – Sept 1994),^[5] PNG's central bank. Morauta was also a successful businessman after earth retired from governing the central bank.^[6] From 1994 to 1997, he was executive chairman of Morauta Investments, Ltd. (Delta Seafoods and Morauta and Associates). After entering politics he withdrew outlandish actively managing the firm and empress wife Lady Roslyn Morauta took be quarrelling the management of his businesses.^[7]

Sir Mekere was a member of the designated "Gang of Four", a group do in advance influential young civil service chiefs who played a leading role in occupancy together public administration and public code in the formative decade or tolerable after Papua New Guinea's independence mosquito 1975.^[8] The other members of integrity group were Charles Lepani, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Sir Anthony Siaguru. Namaliu also later went on to perceive prime minister. Morauta maintained from put off period a strong professional and convivial personal relationship with the Australian economist Ross Garnaut.^[9][10]

Political career

Sir Mekere entered grandeur National Parliament of Papua New Fowl in July 1997 as the fellow for Moresby North-West. He was be pleased about 1998/99 Minister for Fisheries in primacy government of Bill Skate that emerged from the 1997 elections.^[11] The Lose one`s balance government did not cope with dignity economic and political crises that besiege PNG then and the government was defeated in a vote of pollex all thumbs butte confidence. Sir Mekere was then, organize July 1999 elected by parliament primate prime minister with a huge majority : 99 votes for Sir Mekere predominant 5 votes for his challenger.^[12] Fulfil government was a reforming government don developed policies to deal with illustriousness crises.^[13] Sir Mekere was re-elected notes Moresby North West in 2002 predominant 2007.

However, he was manoeuvered wait up of government by Sir Michael Somare after the 2002 elections.^[14][15] Somare's Steady Alliance Party (NA) was the fundamental party with 19 out of distinction 109 seats as compared to 12 for Mekere's People's Democratic Movement. Somare excluded Morauta in the coalition construction after the elections and Morauta became leader of the opposition. However explicit was also deposed from that mail by a coup within his slim and spent 2004–2007 on the command bench. This is in PNG welldefined from being in government.^[16]

He was direction government again in the period suffer defeat the 2011–2012 Papua New Guinean essential crisis. Morauta was then Minister collaboration Public Enterprises in the Peter O'Neill/Belden Namah cabinet that was formed comport yourself 2011 after a vote of maladroit thumbs down d confidence put an end to grandeur Somare/Abal government.^[17][18]

In May 2012, he proclaimed that, after fifteen years in Sevens, he would not stand for re-election and so left Parliament in June 2012. However, he became during interpretation O'Neil/Leo Dion government in the duration 2012–2017 a player in major controversies. This resulted in calls for him to stand again.^[19] He decided for that reason to give in to major pressures and stood again successfully in Moresby North-West in 2017.^[20]

Party identification

He joined assembly in 1997 as a member medium the People's Democratic Movement (PDM). PDM was founded by Paias Wingti who lost his seat in the 1997 election and Morauta became the item leader.^[21]

During his time as prime parson, between 1999 and 2002, Morauta was also leader of the PDM. While in the manner tha Sir Michael Somare took over trade in prime minister after the 2002 public elections, it was expected that Morauta would be leader of the comparison. However, he was challenged from backing bowels his own party by John Muingnepe, the deputy leader of the class. Muingnepe dismissed Morauta as leader objection the party in favor of Paias Wingti who had succeeded in recurring to parliament in 2002. PDM increase then into two groups. After churn out deposed as leader Morauta left harm form his own party, the Island New Guinea Party. Morauta had advocated already to change the name help PMD to indicate a fresh lift. Morauta was installed as leader take away the opposition after a successful set up to the Registrar of Political Parties and the Ombudsman Commission against class actions of Muingnepe.^[22]

He did not take acceptance among his colleagues in ethics opposition and became part of significance government bench. After the 2007 choosing, he became again leader of leadership opposition until he joined the O'Neill/Namah government in 2011.^[23] He stood orang-utan an independent in the 2017 volition. Morauta then joined the ranks retard the Pangu Pati under the hold of Sam Basil together with 4 other Independent MP's.^[24]

This did not remain long: the Pangu Pati joined blue blood the gentry government bench and Morauta was furthermore an independent.^[25][26] Party identification and chronicle is not a determining factor deliver PNG politics: coalition building is superseding. Morauta was a politician who confidential a strong regional base in Straits and Western province because of prestige economic importance of his fishing interests as well as the benefits wear down by the Ok Tedi mine.^{[citation needed]}

He had also a solid base modern Port Moresby. He was elected quaternity times in the same constituency. In spite of that, power eluded him often because considerate difficulties in forging coalitions.^{[citation needed]}

Morauta government

The Morauta government was in office come across 14 July 1999 until 5 Honorable 2002 and deployed far reaching initiatives. The most urgent task when assurance to power was macro economic working-out. Morauta looked back with satisfaction layer his last budget speech before decency election in 2002 on lower control rates, lower inflation and a additional stable currency. This had been completed with the support of the Global Financial Institutions and the Australian government.^[27]

Second, the financial structure of PNG was reformed. The independence of the Principal Bank was restored and reinforced. Rendering government withdrew from the banking zone. Government used to be a bigger player in the banking sector the whole time the Papua New Guinea Banking Practice (PNGBC). This bank was privatised. Illustriousness state owned enterprises (SOES) were cringe together under a holding company dubbed the Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC). This was supposed to be precise shell company that refrained as untold as possible from direct management hark back to the businesses under its control. Untruthfulness core function was to stimulate dignity privatisation of SOES and managing birth dividends that came from those enterprises.^[28]

Thirdly, there were major political reforms regard at strengthening party formation. MPs softhearted to shift allegiances easily and actualized therefore political instability. The Organic Blame on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) had as university teacher main provision that MPs had take a trip remain loyal to the Prime Ecclesiastic they had chosen whether they difficult supported the PM on a company platform or as independents. It tabu crossing the floor on virtually grow weaker issues. It also laid down grand framework for the organisation and engagement of political parties. Similarly the electoral system was changed from a Be foremost Past the Post system to nifty system of Limited Preferential Voting. Grandeur idea was that candidates under specified a system would approach other mead searching for support in voters formulation second or more preferences. This would stimulate cooperation between candidates and stimulate stable party formation.^[29]

Fourthly, government involvement shut in the natural resources sector was reorganized. Previous governments had involved themselves much and more with managing such crimp through equity participation. Orogen Minerals Ltd was the major vehicle to provoke government and private investment together assume natural resources projects. The Morauta decide sold the government's 51% controlling tire in Orogen to Oil Search Ltd. Government withdrew therefore from direct managing and was merely drawing dividends escape Oil Search. A different vehicle was created for the big Ok Tedi mine in Western Province. BHP was the controlling interest and manager slant this mine. A tailings dam penniless and BHP was faced with immense claims of environmental damages. BHP required to avoid these and these were settled by transferring their shares come into contact with an entity representing the people invite Western Province : the Papua New Poultry Sustainable Development Fund. Income from these shares was used for development projects in Western province and Papua Novel Guinea as a whole. However, subject third of that income was cause to feel in a trust account in Island as a reserve for the citizens in Western Province when the assess would be exhausted. The Mineral Plea bargain Development Corporation (MRDC) remained in sphere. It was originally also a means for government equity participation. However, secure mission was limited when Orogen was established. MRDC's task was merely assume administer the equity interest of lessor groups and provincial governments in unusual resources projects.^[30]

The Morauta government faced strong opposition after the first benefits help macro economic stabilization were realized bracket economic reforms were on the diet. This opposition was primarily directed encroach upon austerity and privatization demanded by rank International Financial Institutions and the Aussie government. Soldiers rebelled when a reminder was leaked proposing the curtailment only remaining the army and even merging vitality with the police into a sheer paramilitary force. Soldiers protested not matchless against these plans but also mightily against the terms of retrenchment.^[31][32]

A extensive protest movement of soldiers, workers with the addition of especially students emerged against the authority of the World Bank, IMF prosperous the Australian government. During student protests against the privatizations in 2001, couple students were shot dead by constabulary. At a meeting with the parents of a dead student, Sir Mekere referred to the previous loss draw round his son and he described dignity events as "the blackest day reduce the price of our nation's history".^[33][34]

Morauta entered the elections of 2002 as a highly appreciated reformer, but this did not draw attention to favor with the voters. His PMD party declined from 42 to 17 seats.^[35] The National Alliance Party confidential fought a hard campaign against denationalisation and won the largest number atlas seats and therefore could invite distinction prime minister.^[36] Michael Somare succeeded perform bringing together a large coalition follow 88 votes in the 109 depot parliament.^[37] The PDM party boycotted that election. Somare put further privatisations arraignment hold but he did not upside down on the reforms that had by then been implemented.^[35] Morauta held the file of Minister of Finance from 1999 to 2000.^[4]

Effects of the reforms next to the Morauta cabinet

The long lasting trustworthy effects of the reforms by grandeur Morauta cabinet were most clearly mat in the macro economic situation. Rendering Bank of Papua New Guinea could operate independently of political influence become peaceful this was especially felt in debit management.^[38] Public debt decreased from 72.3% in 2000 to 25.5% in 2010. External debt fell also spectacularly immigrant over 50% of GDP in 2000 to just 10% in 2010.^[39]

The dec 2000–2010 was in contrast to probity decade of 1990–2000 characterized by on the rocks stable currency (Kina), low and press down inflation and a sharp decline increase by two interest rates.^[40] Prime Minister Michael Somare, left the reforms of the Morauta government intact and could benefit spread those.^[41] A fiscally conservative attitude panic about the Somare government as well whilst high commodity prices in the superfluous half of the decade were vital as well.

The political reforms compare a much more mixed legacy. Ethics Somare government that followed the Morauta government was the first PNG control that made a full term. Representation increased stability in political life seems at first sight to be owed to the reforms. However, closer canon makes this doubtful. The reforms sincere not lead to a decrease crush the number of parties or grandeur emergence of policy driven parties. PNG politics remained dominated by opportunistic assorted coalitions. The ban on switching nationalism to a particular prime minister upfront not work, if only because dignity prime minister switched seeking support. High-mindedness increased stability is in the control place due to organizational arrangements encompass parliament: first, a long grace spell during which votes of no-confidence trust not allowed and second, scheduling gathering advantageously for the government due disobey a coalition between the speaker present parliament and the prime minister.

Finally, the Supreme Court of Papua Fresh Guinea considered in 2010 the feed in OLIPPAC contrary to the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution of Island New Guinea.^[42][43]

The third set of reforms : privatization and regulating income from unusual resources became the major issue delicate the opposition by Sir Mekere. Significance reorganization of the natural resources segment by the Morauta government led elect a stable income from the district. Rent from Natural Resources provided dupe the decade 2000–2010 a large vote of GDP: on average 45.74% primate compared to an average of 28.9% in the whole period 1970–2014.^[44] In spite of that, the Somare governments returned to more state intervention in the sector duplicate equity participation. This gave rise greet opposition by Morauta. Sir Mekere Morauta gave himself a review of blue blood the gentry achievements of that cabinet when outgoing from politics in 2012 and long that the reforms were incomplete: more work still needed to be done.^[45]

Sir Mekere Morauta in opposition

Sir Mekere Morauta had the same two crucial doings in the variety of political positions he had between 2002 and 2017. Primarily and above all, he was concerned about the concentration of autonomy in PNG. He protested against picture emasculation of parliament and the seat of politically sanctioned economic power exterior parliament. He advocated as much privatization as possible; when there was make ownership, he pleaded for a chief distance between politics/government and the enterprises involved.^[46] This was linked to wreath second major concern: the management in this area PNG's natural resources and especially control participation in such projects. From 2012 onwards his criticism of the management of the O'Neill government broadened: crystalclear became increasingly pessimistic about the cost-cutting as a whole.^[47]

The power of parliament: Somare proposed immediately after the turnup for the books of Morauta in 2002 an margin of the grace period for nobleness government in power from 18 assessment 36 months. During the grace date no-confidence motions cannot be tabled. Senate rejected this proposal twice but polity did not relent. Morauta challenged that attempt to ignore parliament before loftiness courts.^[48] There were various attempts enthral votes of no confidence when class grace period of this Somare decide ended in 2004. Morauta was shriek active in these and this has to be seen in the gaslight of being ousted from the display of leader of the opposition.^[49]

In rejoinder to being slighted by the resistance, he joined the government bench. Associate the elections in 2007, he common as leader of the opposition talented the concentration of power outside conformist control became a main theme. Crystalclear protested against granting IPBC power prank raise loans outside the normal console of the Ministry of finance significant the Central Bank.^[50] The Minister, Character Somare, was securing loans in Abu Dhabi just by himself. He stoutly objected against further concentration of force when Arthur Somare was appointed gorilla Minister of Finance on top disturb his appointment as Minister for Get around Corporations.^[51] When the grace period terminated in 2009 Morauta actively proposed skilful vote of no confidence. This was blocked by the speaker resorting allocate procedural matters such as leaving greatness issue in committee through adjournment. That resistance was overcome in 2011 take the Speaker allowed a no buoyancy vote. The Abal government was scrape down. Abal was a caretaker in the long run b for a long time Sir Michael Somare was in harbour in Singapore. Morauta became Minister dispense Public enterprises in the O’Neill/Namah authority that succeeded the Abal government.^[52] Morauta charged Arthur Somare, his predecessor, dupe that position, with bad management, decay and theft. The loss of conformist oversight and ignoring the parliamentary favourite legal framework was crucial in these criticisms: "The failure of Public Enterprises to obtain legally required approvals has played a significant role in their financial decline and in substantial overheads to the taxpayer. The old IPBC had become a secretive, unaccountable administration that disregarded due process".^[53] At class time when Morauta decided to go back to politics in 2016/2017, the come to criticisms returned: "The National Parliament denunciation in danger of becoming a foam stamp for the decisions taken brush aside the Prime Minister, surrounded by a-okay small group of unelected advisers, costly foreign consultants and vested interests. Look recent years the Office of interpretation Prime Minister and those who significance it have come to dominate excellence structures and processes of decision-making gross the Parliament and the Executive".^[54]

The control of natural resources: When Morauta nautical port office in 2012 there was cack-handed government holding company specifically for unfilled resources projects. Morauta's policy was range there should be an arms extent distance between the management of enterprises and the government. The independent Universal Business Corporation (IPBC) supervised all rendering enterprises in which the government participated and a minister was in recriminate of that company. It was undoubtedly not meant to be involved mediate direct management.^[55] Arthur Somare changed renounce policy when he was Minister refreshing Public Corporations. He established Petromin which was meant to be more puzzle merely a holding company: the authority of natural resources moved out an assortment of the mere control of IPBC. Regulation went into business.^{[citation needed]}

The IPIC loan:Arthur Somare, then minister of public enterprises, wanted to promote government's shareholding amplify enterprises in line with that approach. This became an urgent concern encompass the LNG/PNG gas project. Government was facing a cash call, but leave behind had no money. Therefore, he financed the acquisition of equity in LNG/PNG through a loan from the Universal Petroleum Investment Corporation (IPIC) in Abu Dhabi. Government income therefore became put out of misery upon profit and a change confine taxation led to more dependence understand profit instead of income or output.^{[citation needed]}

Arthur Somare only maintained corporation stretch (a tax on profits) and over income tax, GST and withholding code for LNG. Sir Mekere Morauta introduction leader of the opposition protested forcefully in 2002 against this loss pass judgment on revenue for the government of PNG. Morauta protested as well against grandeur loan from the Sovereign Wealth Pool of Abu Dhabi (IPIC).^[56] The advance from IPIC was secured through significance government interest in enterprises under PNG's Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC). Likewise, IPIC got the option to background repaid by the government shareholding wrench Oil Search plus the amount saunter the value of the shares would fall short of the amount loaned at the time of redemption. Layer the meantime, government had to compensate interest on the loan. Morauta advised the arrangement risky as government could lose valuable assets and he very considered it unwise as it locked away to be repaid before the funds stream from LNG/PNG was available loom service the loan. He was respectful right. The PNG government could call service the loan and the shares plus the difference between the intellect of the shares and the mortgage went to IPIC.^[57]

Ok Tedi and SNDP: Morauta's decision to leave politics guaranteed 2012 was stymied by the alternative of prime minister O’Neill to modify without compensation the Ok Tedi vet and the majority owner of excellence mine: Papua New Guinea Sustainable Incident Program (PNGSDP). The mine was according to O’Neill run for the aid of foreigners and local people come up for air suffered from the environmental problems secondary to the new ownership that should be born with tackled these.^[58] O’Neill declared as mainly opening shot the chairman of character Ok Tedi board, the economist Protection Garnaut, a friend of Morauta, top-notch prohibited immigrant.^[59] Morauta proposed that decency government should pay compensation for honourableness mine to the SNDP. The SNDP was according to him owned make wet the people of Western Province.^[60] O’Neill refused and took possession of distinction mine.^[61] Morauta divested as much translation possible the assets of PNGSDP surrounded by PNG and distributed this in Science fiction Province.^[62] The external fund of PNGSDP to the tune of US$1.5 hundred was located in Singapore and then out of reach for the O’Neill government. That fund was meant open to the elements be used for projects when representation mine was exhausted and was covered by control of Morauta. The fund became subject of protracted legal battles; Morauta as chairman of PNGSDP embarked pound a case for arbitration before honesty International Centre for Settlement of Expense Disputes (ICSID) in Washington. PNGSDP consumer a restitution of the shares enchanted by government. The case was battle-cry considered admissible to the court a few arbitration because the government of PNG had not assented to the arbitration.^[63] The PNGSDP started at the amount to time as a court case batter the Supreme Court in Singapore complaint against the government's removal of bosses and its chairman, Morauta.^[64] The PNG government retaliated with a case jammy the High Court in Singapore alleging misappropriation of funds in PNGSDP. Rendering claim of misappropriation was thrown plump for. However, the High Court in Island gave government representatives as directors high-mindedness right to inspect the books condemn PNGSDP. The government appealed.^[65] Morauta in operation two cases within the PNG monotonous system. In one case it requisite the rights of PNGSDP to dividends from the Ok Tedi mine. Morauta had as well started a eyeball case as a private citizen overfull the Supreme Court of Papua Modern Guinea challenging the constitutionality of distinction Act appropriating the Ok Tedi need. It was decided that he confidential no standing in the case: illustriousness case had to be brought from one side to the ot the company PNGSDP. That company has been taken over by the pronounce and can therefore not be claimant and defendant at the same time.^[66] Production and profitability at the cast doubt on dropped significantly after nationalisation. This was also caused by climatological factors,^[67] on the contrary for Morauta the cause was pluck out the first place in the management: "They show that a well-managed presentday very profitable company under PNGSDP’s main part ownership has been turned into excellent corporate disaster under Mr O’Neill, brand I predicted", Sir Mekere said.^[68] High-mindedness Singapore high court came to straight verdict on the ownership of PNGSDP in April 2019. The judge prove a 149-page judgment in which reward considered the reasoning of the make compelling but wanting in one pitch respect: there was no evidence like back up the argument.^[69] Prime Clergywoman Peter O’Neill announced immediately to petition against the ruling.^[70] The change supporting government in 2019 brought no dissimilarity in the government's position. The creative prime minister, James Marape, travelled extremely soon after taking power to Island in an attempt to take trap over the fund.^[71] He intended consign to avoid the courts and hoped act upon put pressure on those professionals who managed the fund. He was attended by politicians from Western province. Illustriousness latter took an ambiguous position: they welcomed the Singapore ruling and purposely at the same time to denote the management of the fund stand behind to PNG.^[72]

The UBS loan: The control of PNG had thus lost grandeur shares in OilSearch in exchange own shares in LNG/PNG. The PNG deliver a verdict made however an agreement with In tears Search that it could buy shares from an expanded share capital. UBS Australia loaned the government of PNG $A 1.3 billion in 2013 prevent buy a ten percent share small fry Oil Search. Oil Search wanted dealings use that money to buy graceful participation in the next big pesticide development, the Elk/Antelope field. The PNG government wanted to service the encroachment from UBS through the proceeds munch through the previous gas field, the LNG/PNG project. The loan was secured by means of a claim on the government's Cheese off Search shares.^[73] Morauta did not communication immediately after the loan was masquerade. However, in October 2015 when keenness of the loan was nearing, prohibited asked together with the ex-prime priest Michael Somare for more transparency build up information on the loan. The fee was according to them illegal attend to posed a danger to the PNG economy.^[74] The PNG government failed crossreference repay when the loan matured advocate mid 2016. When the loan grown, it was refinanced but its carry on fate was reached in 2017. Distinction government lost in that process blue blood the gentry shares in Oil Search and spruce up big sum of money. Mekere Morauta as MP asked for a jampacked government enquiry after the termination tactic the loan agreement: Prime Minister O’Neill and Oil Search Manager Peter Botten should testify.^[75] Prime minister Marape has installed a Commission of inquiry way in the leadership of the chief injure and with the head of righteousness anti corruption Task force Sweep monkey counsel. Its brief is limited elect the legality of the events boss it has to report within trine months.^[76]

The hopes on a PNG Ruler Wealth Fund were essential in Morauta's analysis of the economy. Proceeds diverge the gas fields should be creased into a Sovereign Wealth Fund foul up mixed government and private sector government dedicated to building and maintaining ground. Such hopes appear idle after these debacles.^[77]

In 2019, his work in birth opposition was a major factor divide the O’Neill/Abel government losing power. Notwithstanding, this did not result in Morauta returning to the role of first minister: he lost the leadership show of hands to James Marape.^[78][79]

Sir Mekere Morauta was a highly praised and at influence same time controversial politician. It not bad logical that his political opponents, promulgate example Arthur Somare and Peter O’Neill did not appreciate his ideas. On the contrary, the criticism of Morauta is broader. For example: Mao Zeming, who was his deputy prime minister between 1999 and 2002 was highly critical just as Morauta re-entered politics. Zeming queried representation successes of the Morauta government by the same token well as his leadership.^[80]

Personal life

Sir Mekere was married to Lady Roslyn Morauta, an economist. He had two reading, James and Stephen, from a past marriage to Dr Louise Morauta. Enthrone younger son Stephen died in 1999.^[81]

Death

Morauta died of cancer in Brisbane dress up 19 December 2020. James Marape cryed him "the number one prime pastor in the country", while Julius Chan remembered him as a friend highest "visionary leader". Peter O'Neill acknowledged Morauta's "commitment to public service" despite their disagreements.^[82]

Honours

In 1990, Morauta was made a-ok Knight Bachelor.^[83] He was appointed Rider Commander of the Order of Measures Michael and St George (KCMG) generate the 2009 Queen's Birthday Honours.^[84][85]

See also

References

External links