THE MEMBER FOR ANGORAM, Ludwig Schulze, who defeated Arthur Somare at the Papua New Guinea election last year, has died in Port Moresby.
Mr Schulze, originally from New Ireland, had been a businessman in Angoram for many years, dealing mostly in crocodile skins.
He was an inveterate political candidate, first standing for election in 1982. He had previously lost the seat to Arthur Somare in 1997.
Sonja Barry Ramoi writes:
Not long after the elections Ludwig became seriously ill and was flown to Port Moresby on Belden Namah's private plane for urgent medical treatment.
Ludwig's life was initially saved/prolonged thanks largely to Belden Namah, Alan Bird and Sava Muruk who were instrumental in helping him to get specialist attention in Australia.
Ludwig underwent major surgery at Cairns Base Hospital and was in a coma for months before being discharged in December.
Sava Muruk who knew Ludwig for 30 years or so is still in shock at learning yesterday about his death.
"Unbelievable...I am still in shock. I am very sorry that we lost a good friend", Sava said.
It is possible (not yet 100% confirmed) that Ludwig suffered a fall and a blow to where he was operated on previously and died from internal bleeding - reportedly at 3.30 pm at Pacific International Hospital.
The latest news is that the Opposition Leader together with his Opposition members plan on taking Ludwig's body home for burial.
I spoke with Francis Tobias - an Angoram businessman who was Ludwig's chief supporter on the ground during the campaign period - and asked him if he is going to run in a by-election for Angoram Open or not.
His response - "I am going to do it for Ludwig."
I remember when Ludwig was Police Minister (possibly 1993) when he tried convincing me in his tiny cubicle of an office at parliament to carry a gun for protection.
He was always very down to earth, open and approachable. Even as a senior Minister he was never the arrogant, egotistical type.
We had high hopes and the utmost confidence in his ability to get the job done in this term despite his health problems.
Interestingly it seems that now that Ludwig has passed on, it is the first time ever since PNG's oldest political party PANGU Pati was created (since the House of Assembly in 1964) that there is no PANGU MP.
I wonder what the future will bring for this once great party. RIP Ludwig. Your memory and legacy will live on.
Please get the information right about the people involved in organising my father's treatment in Cairns before naming names of men who had nothing to do with it.
Posted by: Leon Schulze | 26 March 2013 at 11:58 PM
I am in tears hearing this news in New Zealand away from home. RIP, my Hon Angoram MP.
Posted by: Berry Lemot | 13 March 2013 at 04:12 PM
Devastated. Coming to terms with Lud's passing has been more than one can imagine.
Rest in peace my dearest bro,how untimely and thank you for always being there for my children and myself.
To all Lud's children, I will always be here for you. Sava,my email address is here.
mariaschulz55@gmail.com
Posted by: Maria Schulz / Ex Vunapope now Brisbane | 11 March 2013 at 06:25 PM
We have lost one of our change agents. Why has such happened to him? May Allah bless his family and friends.
Posted by: Steve Gallagher | 10 March 2013 at 07:36 PM
To the family and friends of Ludwig Schulze, I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 10 March 2013 at 12:35 PM
Really sad to learn that one of the PNG's veteran politicians, Ludwig Schulze MP, has passed on.
Condolences to the late MP. The nation and the people of Angoram will miss him so much.
May the good Lord keep his family and friends in his caring arm at this time of sorrow and years to come.
Posted by: Joe Wasia | 10 March 2013 at 06:58 AM