Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has expressed his sorrow at the untimely passing of Goilala MP, Daniel Mona, on Tuesday, February 3.
The late Mr Mona died in Manila where he was receiving medical attention since late last year for a severe malarial condition.
The government has not received a full report yet on Mr Mona’s condition prior to his passing.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a promising young leader who was an active supporter of our government on the floor of Parliament.
“On behalf of the government and on behalf of the ruling People’s National Congress Party I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the immediate Mona family, extended relatives and the people of Goilala District, on this sad occasion,” Prime Minister, O’Neill said.
He was serving his first parliamentary term, elected to office in 2012.
Following the airing of the PM’s message on the EMTV 6pm news, the brother of Goilala MP, Daniel Mona, John Mona, who is in Manila, Philippines with the Goilala MP, had refuted claims of the member’s passing.
Mr Mona called EMTV to advise that the Goilala MP’s officers and administration were yet to confirm the news, while calling for calm amongst the Goilala people.
‘While we appreciate the message from the Prime Minister, we have yet to confirm this news, so we would like to assure the people of Goilala of this, and ask that they remain calm, and not to take this information, until we know for sure.’ Mr Mona said.
Mr Mona said at 6.45 this evening that as far as he knew, his brother was still in the Intensive Care Unit, and that arrangements were being made to have him travel back to PNG. He said the PNG High Commission in Manila was also abreast of the Member’s condition.
However, at 7:36pm this evening EMTV received final confirmation of the MP’s passing, from the family in Manila.
The late MP was especially instrumental in prioritising education; he was a firm believer in education being the key to change Goilala for the better.
Under his leadership, the Goilala District Administration subsidised school fees for some of its students in various schools in Port Moresby, Central and Madang Province.
In 2014, the local MP assisted 20 Goilala students attending the Port Moresby Matriculation school, 40 students at the Koki TVET, Hohola Youth Development Centre – 55 students, Kivori and the University of Papua New Guinea – 38 students, and Divine Word in Madang.
