The Papua New Guinea prime ministers' office reports four former prime ministers have formally thrown their support behind the Peter O'Neill administration.
It says former leaders Sir Michael Somare, Sir Julius Chan, Pias Wingti and Sir Rabbie Namaliu, have bestowed their wisdom and blessings on Mr O'Neill to lead PNG into the new era.
It happened during the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Western Highlands provincial building In Mt Hagen and the launch of infrastructure projects in Dei district over the weekend.
The prime minister's office quotes Sir Michael saying he worked hard with his fellow politicians to develop PNG, and now the time is right for young and vibrant leaders such as Mr O'Neill to continue their work.
He is quoted saying it is time to show political maturity and through unity provide for the needs of the people and not to continue playing politics.
