Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Sir Peter Barter to retire from politics

Posted at 01:38 on 01 May, 2006 UTC

Madang MP and Papua New Guinea Health Minister Sir Peter Barter has indicated he is retiring from politics.

The newspaper, The National, says he will not contest the Madang regional seat in the general elections next year due to an ongoing battle with cancer.

Sir Peter has endorsed former chief justice Sir Arnold Amet to replace him as the National Alliance candidate.

He says Sir Arnold was well respected both within the country and internationally and would make a good leader for the Madang people.

While accepting the challenge, Sir Arnold said it was up to the party to decide his endorsement.

Meanwhile, Sir Peter also pledged nearly 34-thousand US dollars from his family business to help the party in Madang in the next elections.