He died just days before his 76th birthday. He had a heart attack at his home in East New Britain on March 31 and as he was being medically evacuated to Port  Moresby, he died while boarding the aircraft at Tokau Airport.

 

Namaliu was prime minister from July 4 1988 to July 17 1992. Before this, he served as foreign minister. He was one of what was known as ‘Gang of Four' who led the formation of public administration and public policy in PNG's immediate post-independence years.

 

Those expressing sadness at the passing of Namaliu include Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, National Affairs director Paul Barker and the family of former prime minister Michael Somare.

 

Kandep MP Don Polye described Namaliu as a humble, realistic and conscientious person.

 

Australian PNG commentator Keith Jakson said that he first met Namaliu 50 years ago at the University of Papua New Guinea.

 

"He had a sunny disposition and, along with an acute intelligence, it was clear his personality and capability set him up for important things. Rabbie, along with Mekere Morauta, Anthony Siaguru and Charles Lepani shaped and developed public policy and gave meaning to the changed administration requirements of the newly decolonised state," Jackson wrote.

 

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan has described Namaliu as a one-of-a-kind Papua New Guinean.

 

"He was a very cool, calm and collected leader, and naturally classed as a true gentleman by anyone who had the good fortune of meeting him," Chan said.