Smith in 2009

Malcolm Roy "Kela" Smith CMG MBE DFC (10 April 1943 – 5 April 2021) was a businessman, aviator and politician in Papua New Guinea.

Biography

Smith was born in London, England[1] in 1943, and emigrated to Australia as a child. He joined the Australian Army Aviation corps, and served as a pilot with the 161st Independent Reconnaissance Flight in the Vietnam War for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.[2] In 1969, Smith was posted to Papua New Guinea where he remained permanently, founding the aviation company Pacific Helicopters PNG and owning a shopping centre and hotel in Goroka.[3]

Smith was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1993 Birthday Honours for services to the community and civil aviation,[4] and a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2006 Birthday Honours for services to primary industry and the environment.[5]

He served as the governor of Eastern Highlands Province from 2002–2012. Smith also served as a member of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea for the United Resources Party from 2003–2012.[6] He died at age 77 from complications of COVID-19 while under treatment in the intensive care unit at Redcliffe Hospital in Queensland, Australia.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Former PNG Governor Malcolm Kela Smith dies from COVID-19 in Brisbane". PerthNow. 6 April 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  2. ↑ "SMITH, Malcolm Roy". DVA Nominal Rolls. Department of Veterans' Affairs. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  3. 1 2 Zillman, Stephanie (6 April 2021). "PNG aviator and politician Malcolm 'Kela' Smith remembered after dying from COVID-19 complications in Queensland hospital". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  4. ↑ "No. 53338". The London Gazette. 16 June 2006. p. 52.
  5. ↑ "No. 58017". The London Gazette (4th supplement). 16 June 2006. p. 33.
  6. ↑ Kaniniba, Alfred (20 May 2017). "Soso, Kouza and Gore break dominance in 2012". Loop. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
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