Sir Julius, 85, passed away in his home province of New Ireland just after midday on Thursday, marking an end to a long political career spanning half a century. Papua New Guineans dubbed him the "Last Man Standing," as he as last of the founding members of parliament from the Independence era.
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape informed members of cabinet of Sir Julius Chan's passing.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of the Last Man Standing. While Sir Michael Somare was the father of our country, the late Sir Julius was the father of our modern economy. He conceived the Kina and Toea. He was our country's first finance minister and our second Prime Minister."
Marape has declared a week of national mourning to honour the life and legacy Sir Julius Chan, and announced plans for a state funeral and low key celebrations for the country's 50th independence anniversary in September.
In the annals of Papua New Guinea's political history, few figures loom as large - or as controversially - as Sir Julius Chan. A statesman whose career spans five decades, his legacy is etched with bold decisions that sparked both admiration and outrage.
From deploying troops to a Pacific neighbour to facing global criticism for being the Prime Minister who hired foreign mercenaries in a bid to end a civil war, his leadership tested the boundaries of convention and reshaped the nation's trajectory.
![]() |
Sir Julius was seen as a tactician, weaving through the complexities of tribal and national politics and seizing opportunities when available. Photo: Supplied/ Peter Kinjap |
He entered politics in the twilight of colonial rule. He was elected to the House of Assembly in 1968. By 1976, as PNG's first finance minister, he navigated the economic turbulence of independence, advocating for foreign investment and resource development.
Within PNG politics, Sir Julius was seen as a tactician, weaving through the complexities of tribal and national politics and seizing opportunities when available.
In 1980, he initiated the first-ever vote of no confidence motion against close friend and Prime Minister Michael Somare, ousting him on the floor of Parliament.
His first term as prime minister from 1980 to 1982, solidified his reputation as a pragmatist.
Facing fiscal strain, he championed austerity, infrastructure projects and devalued the PNG currency.
But it was a foreign policy move that drew regional attention.
In 1980, he authorised the deployment of PNG troops on its first international deployment: Vanuatu.
The mission was aimed at quelling a rebellion against Vanuatu's newly independent government.
In parliament, he argued that the deployment was necessary for regional stability and stamped PNG's role as an important player in the Pacific.
Critics called it overreach as PNG was not even past its first decade as an independent country. However, the deployment earned PNG the respect from Vanuatu and its Pacific neighbours - for the first time in a young nation's budding history, that standing up for a Pacific brother when no one else would, was enough for a new regional respect for PNG.
The operation ended swiftly, but the precedent set by PNG's military would reverberate for decades.
His second term as prime minister from 1994 to 1997, collided with PNG's most protracted conflict: the Bougainville Civil War.
By 1996, the crisis had claimed 20,000 lives, crippled the economy, and exposed the PNG Defence Force's limitations.
Desperate to break the stalemate, his government signed a secretive $36 million contract with Sandline International, a UK-based private mercenary group, to crush the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA).
When the deal leaked in 1997, public fury erupted.
The PNGDF, led by Brigadier General Jerry Singirok, arrested the mercenaries and demanded Chan's resignation.
Sir Julius stood defiant. Critics, however, saw betrayal with many saying hiring outsiders was an affront to sovereignty.
Under pressure, he stepped aside pending an inquiry. Though exonerated of corruption, his political capital evaporated. The Sandline Affair became a cautionary tale of desperation and overreach.
His career, however, refused to end in scandal. After a decade in the political wilderness, he returned as New Ireland Governor in 2007, championing provincial autonomy and education reforms.
In 2015, he published his memoir, confronting the Sandline chapter head-on.
His peers acknowledged his tenacity with founding Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, before his passing, pointing out how both men had separated politics from their personal friendship for over 50 years.
Despite rising to political leadership at the national level, and having a strong hand in the formation of our country's economic and financial stability, and using its young military force to nurture Pacific solidarity, Sir Julius will always be remembered for his respect of culture and tradition.
His elevation and acknowledgment of the MaiMai, New Ireland's Chieftan System as a recognised decision-making body within the New Ireland Provincial Government and the Provincial Assembly, was testament to Sir Julius' own devotion and respect for traditional New Ireland culture.
His creation of a pension for the wisened population of his home province, not only assured him continuous support from New Ireland's older population at every election, but it set an example of the importance of traditional systems of governance and decision-making.
To the world, he was a new country's financial whiz kid, growing up in an environment rooted in traditional culture, and navigating a young Papua New Guinea as a mixed race leader saw him become one of PNG's finest leaders.
To the country, he will always be remembered as the 'Last Man Standing'.
But to his people of New Ireland, he will, over the coming weeks, be accorded the highest of traditional and customary acknowledgements that only the people of New Ireland will be able to bestow on such a Great Man. A Great Chief. A Great Leader.
They will say for one last time: 'Lapun i go nau. Wok bilong em i pinis.' (The old man has left, his work here is done).
Source: HERE
Papua New Guinea has lost one of its most distinguished leaders, Sir Julius Chan, the nation’s last surviving founding father and Governor of New Ireland Province. Sir Julius passed away peacefully at his residence in Huris, New Ireland Province, today at 12:30 pm, surrounded by his family and close friends. He was 85 years old and had been battling a long illness.
Known affectionately as “The Last Man Standing,” Sir Julius Chan’s death marks the end of an era for Papua New Guinea. He is survived by his wife, Lady Stella Chan, their four children—Vanessa, Byron, Mark, and Toea—as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family extended their heartfelt thanks to those who supported him throughout his life and celebrated his enduring contributions to the nation.
A towering figure in Papua New Guinea’s political landscape, Sir Julius Chan’s career spanned more than 40 years. He held numerous high-ranking positions, including Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Opposition leader, and Governor of New Ireland. Born to a mixed heritage of New Ireland and Chinese descent, Sir Julius was widely regarded as a unifying force and a visionary leader whose impact transcended generations.
Tributes from across the country have poured in, honoring his legacy as a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of Papua New Guinea. His name will forever be etched in the nation’s history, not only in its records but also in the hearts of countless citizens who admired his leadership and commitment.
Arrangements for a State funeral are currently being made, with a weeklong wake, or haus krai, scheduled to begin tonight in Port Moresby. As Papua New Guinea prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest leaders, the nation reflects on the profound legacy left behind by Sir Julius Chan—a man whose life and work shaped the course of its history.
https://news.pngfacts.com/2025/01/papua-new-guinea-mourns-passing-of-sir.html
The Chan family released a statement on Thursday afternoon announcing the death of Sir Julius at the age of 85. “Our father passed away peacefully this afternoon at 12.30pm at his beloved home at Manmantinut, Huris surrounded by family and friends. We thank all those who have stood by him, and those who have shared his legacy throughout his political life from pre-independence to the time of his passing.
“He was a political icon transcending generations and his legacy will remain forever in the pages of our history books and moreso in the hearts of so many.”
The office of the prime minister, James Marape, issued a statement expressing “profound sadness … His passing comes at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, as Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence – a milestone he played a crucial role in achieving. As we reflect on our journey as a nation, we must also honour the legacy of great leaders like Sir Julius, whose vision, courage, and leadership helped shape the Papua New Guinea we know today.”
The news of his death sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with citizens expressing their sorrow on social media and in public gatherings. Flags were being flown at half-mast on Thursday and memorial services organised in his honour.
Born to a migrant Chinese father and an Indigenous mother, Chan overcame significant challenges to become a prominent political figure. His leadership was characterised by a commitment to national unity and development, making him a beloved figure among many Papua New Guineans.
His death will have a profound impact among Papua New Guineans who remember him as a pivotal figure in the country’s journey towards independence and development. Chan served as prime minister twice and was a key architect of Papua New Guinea’s political landscape. Across more than five decades he played a crucial role in guiding the country after it gained full independence from Australia in 1975. He served as a member of parliament for New Ireland province, and remained its governor at the time of his death.
Chan’s autobiography, Playing the Game, offers insights into his life and the complexities of his political journey, reflecting on the cultural and historical contexts that shaped his decisions. He is survived by his wife, Lady Stella Chan, and children Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea.