Puka Temu

Who is Puka Temu?

Sir Puka Temu, KBE, CMG is a Papua New Guinean politician. From 2007 to 2010, he was deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Lands, Physical Planning and Mining in the government led by Prime Minister Michael Somare. Temu is a member of the National Alliance Party. In July 2010, he spearheaded an attempt to overthrow Somare through a parliamentary vote of no confidence. When the motion failed, he became Leader of the Opposition, and was replaced as deputy Prime Minister by Don Polye.

In August 2011, Peter O'Neill became Prime Minister in the wake of a parliamentary motion of no confidence in the government of Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal. O'Neill appointed Sir Puka as his Minister for Agriculture & Livestock.

Dr. Temu is a medical doctor.

Temu was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2009 Birthday Honours.