Former PNG Chief Justice dies

Firmin Nanol, Port Moresby

Last Updated: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:35:00 +1100

The former Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Sir Mari Kapi, has died from kidney failure in Singapore.

Sir Mari's family says he had been in Singapore since February awaiting a kidney transfer from his younger brother, but the operation had been deferred.

He was the first national to be appointed as a judge and the third national to be appointed Chief Justice.

During a farewell speech last year, his successor, the current Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, described him as a ''perfect role mode in the legal profession".

Sir Mari, 58, retired as Chief Justice in August 2008 for health reasons.

His body is yet to be flown back to PNG from Singapore.

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