PNG PM pays tribute to Ali

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Papua New Guinea has joined the world in mourning the death of former three-time world boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, regarded as one of the world’s icons and most famous figures.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill joined other world leaders in praising the famous boxer who called himself “The Greatest”, and the man who fought hard for civil rights and racial equality.

“People from the sporting world, and very importantly, people who have stood up for racial equality, mourn the loss of the late Muhammad Ali,” he said.

“While his sporting achievements will see him go down in history as one of the greatest sportsmen, his conviction to speak out against inequality was truly among his great achievements.”

“Racism affects billions of people around the world and we can all be thankful for the barriers Muhammad Ali sought to break down.”

Ali had battled Parkinson’s disease for 32 years.

O’Neill said Ali brought awareness on the disease which some people in PNG suffered from.

“In his later years, Muhammad Ali also brought awareness to the plight of people with Parkinson’s Disease, a condition that affects many Papua New Guineans and for which there is not enough awareness,” O’Neill said.

“The world will miss Muhammad Ali, his flair and dedication for things he believed in.”

- The National