Sir Julius Chan, Papua New Guinea’s last ‘founding father’, dies aged 85

Outpouring of grief after death of Chan, the son of a migrant Chinese father and Indigenous mother, who served as prime minister twice

Papua New Guinea is mourning the death of Sir Julius Chan, affectionately known across the country as Sir J - the last founding father" of the country and its second ever prime minister.

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.