There were wild rumors circulating on Friday saying that he had died but his daughter Betha Somare confirmed that he was a bit sick and was in Malaysia seeking medical attention.
Many government insiders blamed the opposition for starting this rumor, saying that they were responsible for spreading what was untrue.
Sir Michael also called the radio talk show host Roger Hau’ofa direct from Malaysia and said he was well and looking forward to playing a round of golf during the day.
Mrs. Somare said the rumor was being circulated by people who had “nothing better to do” but keep attacking the prime minister and the government. “It’s something different to play politics but to bring yourself to that level (and spread false rumors) is really not good,” she said. “It is really in poor taste.”
Petroleum and Energy Minister William Duma also confirmed on Friday that the prime minister was okay in Malaysia and that the rumors were being spread by “evil people.”
“Our prime minister is alive and well in Malaysia,” Duma said. “He is one of those unique leaders in the country and God will not allow the prime minister to die in a foreign country. He was chosen by God to be a leader and he will protect him wherever he is.”
Newsrooms in Port Moresby were flooded with calls from the public wanting to know if the rumor was true.
