Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

State Funeral set for former Congress Floor Leader Asugar

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): March 10, 2009 - The flag of the Federated States of Micronesia is at half-mast today in reverence to the passing of former Floor Leader of the FSM Congress, the late Honorable Henry Asugar.

Former Congress Floor Leader Asugar passed away on February 23 2009, in Hawaii. His remains will be on today's flight to Chuuk where a State Funeral has been scheduled to be held at the State Legislative Chambers. After the State Funeral, the remains will be moved to his residence where it will lay in state until burial.

The late Asugar was first elected in 2001 as the representative from Chuuk State's Election District One - the Mortlock Islands, to the 12th FSM Congress. He was re-elected to the subsequent Congress where he served as the Floor Leader of the 13th FSM Congress from 2003 - 2005.

In a communication sent to former Floor Leader's widow, Mrs. Maggie Asugar, Speaker Isaac V. Figir conveyed the deepest condolences of the FSM Congress.

Speaker Figir shared that "Henry is fondly remembered by many of us including myself who have worked with him in Congress through the years. His kindness and his warm heart were in proportion to his big stature.

"He will be missed by all," the message concluded.

A Presidential Proclamation has declared a four day national mourning period from March 10 -13, 2009, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast.

Born March 5 1948, the late Asugar was from Namoluk Island in the Mortlocks region in the State of Chuuk. He spent a lifetime of public service in various prominent positions and roles in the FSM Government especially at the FSM Congress. In addition to his services as a Congressman, the late Asugar remains to date, the longest serving Chief Clerk of the FSM Congress.

In May 1985, during the reorganization of the FSM Congress, the late Asugar was selected to be the Chief Clerk for the Fourth Congress of the FSM. Over the next ten year he maintained the role of Chief Clerk to the successive Congress's until 1998 when he participated in the early retirement program and left the national government.

Officials representing the National Government at the late Asugar's State Funeral include, Secretary Lorin S. Robert on behalf of the President and the Vice President, and members of the Chuuk Delegation to the FSM Congress representing the Legislative Branch of the National Government.