Matthias Toliman

Matthias Tutanava Toliman (25 August 1925 – 6 September 1973) was a Papua New Guinean politician. He served as a member of the House of Assembly between 1964 and 1973, also holding ministerial roles from 1964 until 1972.

Biography Born in Bitakapuk, a hamlet near Paparatava in 1925 to To Liman and Ia Kabu. His father and grandfather were both traditional leaders of the Tolai people, and he became the third generation of his family to hold the role. His four brothers and wife were also teachers. He also became Deputy Leader of Elected Members. In 1966 he changed undersecretary roles, becoming Undersecretary for Education and Local Government. In this role he established the National Teaching Service.

A founder of the conservative United Party, Toliman was re-elected again in the 1972 elections. Although the United Party was the largest faction in the House, the Pangu Party was able to form a coalition government. He subsequently became Leader of the Opposition, with the Pangu Party's Michael Somare as Chief Minister.

On 6 September 1973 Toliman was taken ill while in the House of Assembly, and was taken to hospital, where he died of a heart attack. Hie funeral in Rabaul was attended by over 10,000 people. He was buried in Bitakapuk.