Telefomin MP Solan Mirisim passes on, 8th MP lost in Parliament

A total of eight Members of Parliament have died during the 11th National Parliament under the Marape–Rosso Government.

The latest is Member for Telefomin and Works and Highways Minister, Solan Mirisim, who passed away in the early hours of this morning.

Several MPs, including Prime Minister James Marape, have extended their condolences to the family and the people of Telefomin and West Sepik.

This is the second senior state leader the country has lost in less than three months, and news of his death has shocked the people of Telefomin.

Mr Mirisim was reportedly rushed to the Pacific International Hospital by St John Ambulance after a short illness and was pronounced dead on arrival. Details of his illness and cause of death are yet to be confirmed.

Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat informed the House of the news before normal parliamentary business continued.

Prime Minister Marape, in a statement, described Mirisim as a strong, hardworking, and committed leader who championed the government’s Connect PNG program despite criticism. He also confirmed that a coronial assessment and post-mortem will be carried out.

Opposition MP Bryan Kramer, speaking on behalf of the people of Madang, also offered his condolences before delivering the Opposition’s response to the 2026 Budget.

Mirisim’s passing comes just days after the government handed down the K30.9 billion 2026 Budget, in which he played a significant role as a senior minister.

He was a three-term MP and had served in several ministerial roles, including Forestry and, most recently, Works and Highways.