FORMER Southern Highlands governor Hami Yawari passed away at the Pacific International Hospital, Port Moresby, yesterday afternoon, The National reports.
He was admitted last Friday.
Reports said he had died from kidney complications.
Yawari was the governor from 2002-07 when he lost his seat to Anderson Agiru.
In his condolence message to the family, clan and tribe of Yawari, Agiru said: "It is sad for Southern Highlands to lose a good leader.
"It is sad because the provincial government had contributed K100,000 towards his medical expenses and, despite our efforts, he lost his life."
Agiru and Yawari have been political rivals
.