The Palau Senate has again declined to advance three key nominations by President Surangel Whipps Jr, deepening tensions between the executive and legislative branches over Cabinet appointments and confirmation procedures.
The Senate took action on the president’s nominees for minister of finance, minister of education and ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan), leaving two ministries without confirmed leadership.
President Whipps reappointed Kaleb Udui Jr for a third time to lead the Ministry of Finance. His first nomination expired after 90 days without Senate action. The second nomination also lapsed.
The third submission was reviewed by the Senate Standing Committee, which recommended that the nomination be tabled and that no action be taken on the resolution.
In its justification, the committee said the nominee failed to notarise written responses to Senate questions during previous nomination cycles. Senators said the lack of timely and notarised responses prevented them from completing a full interview before the review period expired.
President Whipps rejected the explanation, describing it as “excuses” and “inaction” and urging the Senate “to do their job already.”
The Senate responded that it was carrying out its constitutional duty and had increased scrutiny for the position, citing the finance minister’s authority over significant public funds and assets and oversight of agencies with critical responsibilities.
Former Minister of Education Dr. Dale Jenkins was nominated for a second time after his initial nomination was rejected. The Senate Standing Committee declined to reconsider the nomination, maintaining the chamber’s earlier decision.
The Senate also rejected the second nomination of former Ambassador to Taiwan Dave Orrukem. The chamber voted 8–5 against confirmation, reversing the previous vote in which he received 8 votes in favour and 5 against. Despite the earlier majority support, the prior vote did not meet the threshold required for confirmation.
Of Palau’s eight ministries, six now have Senate-approved leadership. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education remain without confirmed ministers.
The repeated lapses and rejections are causing growing friction between the executive branch, which has pressed for timely action on appointments, and the Senate, which has emphasised stricter review standards for senior positions.
