Sir Arnold, 68, a former chief justice and a resident of Port Moresby for more than 40 years, was described by Mr Kramer as a “strong advocate for good governance”.

The Allegiance Party will soon invite members of the public to become part of ‘Team Allegiance’.

“Join us in the fight to make PNG a better place for your children,” said Kramer.

The Australian-educated Sir Arnold was PNG’s chief justice from 1993–2003 and then elected to the Madang provincial seat in 2007, serving as Attorney General in prime minister Sir Michael Somare's government from 2010 to 2011, when Somare was defeated in a vote of no confidence.

Sir Arnold Amet and justice minister Bryan Kramer spearhead the Allegiance Party team

In 2008, Pacific Magazine had tipped Sir Arnold as "the likely successor of prime minister Sir Michael Somare when 'The Chief' steps down as head of the governing National Alliance Party.”

But his political career was brought to an end at the 2012 election when he lost his seat to Jim Kas.

He has led an active life since serving in a number of official roles including as chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the Solomon Islands' election.

Sir Arnold has also been a strong community voice on issues such as press freedom, the constitutionality of political manoeuvering and he has been a vociferous opponent of seabed mining.