THE DEATH OF HIS HIGHNESS MALIETOA TANUMAFILI II OF SAMOA

14 May 2007

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, who died on Friday at the age of 94.

His Highness was the oldest serving Head of State in the world and his reign was distinguished by his great wisdom, humour and dignity.

He was also the world's third-longest reigning living monarch after Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand since 1946, and Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne in 1952.

Appointed as one of two high chiefs to jointly lead Samoa on Independence from New Zealand in 1962, His Highness held the post for 44 years after the death of his colleague Tupua Tamasese in 1963.

His Highness was looked upon as the founding father of Samoan Independence  and his death will be mourned not only by his countrymen and women, but keenly felt by all of us in the Pacific and throughout the world.

On behalf of all Australians, Marlena and I offer his family and the people of Samoa our sincere condolences.