Namaliu, Rabbie Langanai (1947– )

Papua New Guinea centre-left politician, prime minister 1988–92. He was a founder member of the centre-left Pangu Pati (PP; Papua New Guinea Party) in 1967 and worked as an adviser to Chief Minister Michael Somare in 1974–75. His government introduced IMF-backed austerity measures and, facing growing violence, re-introduced the death penalty. He also used force, initially, to deal with an escalating secessionist conflict on mineral-rich Bougainville island, before seeking, through his foreign minister, Michael Somare, a negotiated solution. After the June 1992 general election, Namaliu was replaced as prime minister by Paias Wingti.

He stepped down as PP leader for family reasons, but remained politically active. From 1994 Namaliu was speaker of the national parliament and, during 1997, he served as senior minister of state in the coalition government led by Bill Skate of the People's National Congress (PNC).

Born in Kokopo, East New Britain District, Namaliu studied history at the University of Papua New Guinea and Victoria University, in Canada, before becoming a lecturer in history. After being elected to the house of assembly in 1982, Namaliu served, under Somare, as foreign affairs and trade minister 1982–84 and industry minister 1984–85. He replaced Somare as PP leader in May 1988 and two months later became prime minister, after defeating Paias Wingti on a vote of no confidence.