20 Jan 2004

Former PNG PM Chan hits back at criticism by prime minister Somare

5:17 pm on 20 January 2004

A former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan, has fired back at Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare's claims that two former PMs are plotting to oust him from office.

This follows Sir Michael accusing former 'faceless' political leaders of wanting him out, to protect themselves against his government discovering secret cover ups.

The National quotes Sir Julius saying Sir Michael had been referring to him.

He defended his contributions to PNG when he was Prime Minister, saying he has never failed in any duties he was given in the top job.

Sir Julius says he supported Sir Michael three times to be the prime minister, and that former Prime Ministers should not be referred to as 'failed politicians'.