A golden opportunity for the 8th OEK for change

by Kambes

As the 8th Olbiil Era Kelulau is preparing to open its fist regular session on Tuesday January 27, the members of the Senate and the House of Delegates will be faced with daunting challenges that lay ahead, including a weakened local economy as a result of the worsening global economic crisis, the uncertain future of the Compact funded programs and assistance, the declining tax receipts into the government coffers, and many more that should keep them busy and test their spirits.

But despite the nagging fear that we have not seen the worst yet of this economic downturn, optimism is plentiful, seen in the many fresh new faces serving for the first time in both houses of the OEK, the number of new members has never been matched since the inception of Palau’s first constitutional government in 1981. And in spite of the soaring expectations of the new generation of leaders, the real measure that people will use to judge this congress is not how many laws were enacted or how many hotel rooms have been built, or how much grants have been received, but how well the 8^th Olbiil Era Kelulau regains the high opinion and trust of the people that it onced enjoyed but have since dropped down to its lowest level ever via the actions on display of the last congress. The constant breakdown of common decorum during sessions, lack of respect among the members, finger pointing, unkind remarks between members, and swathe of unethical and questionable behavior practiced were taken to a new high until their very last days in office.

This 8^th Olbiil Era Kelulau, with the advantage of having 23 new faces out of the total of 29 members is in a good position to restore back the trust and respect among the citizens who voted for them. The 8^th OEK, missing the undue influence of the senior senators who lost or were constitutionally limited from running again, have been given a rare opportunity that is analogous to turning a new page in life, and they must take advantage of the circumstances to make any real difference, else we may not experienced the same opportunity again, and forgo any real chance for change.

Imagine turning a new leaf or an option to reset the table. A real chance to start from the beginning and create a lawmaking body with a high level of professionalism and establish a culture that is proactive and solution oriented congress anchored by leaders who serves with the best interest of the people in mind. Leaders who reach out to the people and inspire to prevent the sapping of confidence especially at this juncture where a realm of economic uncertainty abounds. A congress that despite differences, develop a willingness to work together toward a common goal and avoid the negative and unproductive politics experienced in the previous OEKs. As national leaders elected by the people they must instill a genuine sense of representation by respecting the rule of law and steer clear of any unethical behavior practiced in the previous congress.

The 8^th Olbiil Era Kelulau have been presented with a very real opportunity to make a difference. To have their legacy imprinted for future generations. It may be tough but the citizens deserve no less, and especially to you as elected leaders, you should expect no less of you as an elected representative of your state and people.

The above article was originally published in the May 11 – 17, 2009 issue of Tia Belau Newspaper and is reprinted here with the permission of the author.