KOROR, Palau — The Senate held three public hearings on March 18 regarding Senate Bill 12-16, a measure that seeks to establish legal presumptions about the Klobak’s authority to accept or reject candidates for traditional titles. The bill has sparked strong opposition and support, with cultural leaders and lawmakers divided on whether legislation should govern traditional practices.
The Senate Judiciary & Governmental Affairs (JGA) Committee and the Committee on Culture & Social Welfare (CSW) conducted the hearings, which took place on the same day. The sessions included testimony from Mechesil Belau, Rubekul Belau, and members of the general public.
Mechesil Belau: Unanimous Opposition
The Mechesil Belau strongly opposed the bill, arguing that traditional processes should remain outside the purview of legislative authority.
“It is not your responsibility to legislate the process of who will bear a traditional title. You belong to the democratic system,” Bilung told the senators.
Another Mechesil Belau member, Salome Kirk, reinforced the unified stance: “We are united here to oppose this bill.”
Public Voices Concern Over Legislating Culture
During the public hearing, several attendees echoed the Mechesil Belau’s concerns.
“Culture is not black and white; it’s grey and still evolving,” said Roman Yano, expressing unease over codifying traditional practices into law.
Rubekul Belau: Support for the Bill
In contrast, members of the Rubekul Belau expressed support for Senate Bill 12-16, arguing that it would provide clarity and prevent disputes over traditional titles.
“This bill will foster unity. When the ourrot are united in appointing one person who is then accepted by the Klobak, that decision will be final,” said Uongruios.
Maderngebuked emphasized that the ourrot play a central role in appointing titleholders.
“We bear these titles because the ourrot appointed us. The last thing we want is legislation that removes their role,” he said.
Attorney Johnson Toribiong also backed the bill, stating that under traditional law, “acceptance from the Klobak is the final step in determining who will bear a traditional title.”
Calls for a Traditional Court
A recurring suggestion across all hearings was for the Senate to establish a traditional court to handle disputes over customary law, rather than passing legislation to regulate it.
Senate Bill 12-16 passed its first reading on Feb. 20 and is now under review by the CSW and JGA committees. (By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang)