Koror State Speaker Millan Isack resigned on March 5th following the removal of significant powers vested in the speaker’s role by a majority of Koror State legislators. A new resolution, aiming to appoint a replacement Speaker and Vice Speaker, is anticipated during today’s 12th KSL session.
A draft resolution obtained by Island Times nominates Legislator Uchel Sechewas as the next Speaker and Legislator Job Kikuo as Vice Speaker. The draft indicates substantial support for this new leadership, suggesting that Sechewas, the legislature’s senior member and longest-serving legislator, is likely to assume the role of Speaker. Job Kikuo, representing Ngerchemai, is expected to become the next Vice Speaker.
In response to inquiries, Legislator Sechewas expressed caution, stating that the outcome remains uncertain until after the session. “Things have progressed to this point. I harbor no qualms with anyone, but the rules dictate that the majority prevails,” he remarked. “I have experience managing teams with diverse perspectives in sports, and while challenging, my aim, if appointed, would be to foster unity by engaging with all parties.”
The change in KSL leadership and the reconstitution of the Ways & Means Committee stem from disagreements over the Koror State 2024 Interim Budget. Legislator Rhinehart Silas resigned as Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. Speaker Millan Isack declined Silas’s resignation, urging him to stay, while simultaneously removing Legislators Eledui Omelau and Devon Andreas from the committee, alleging maneuverings undermining the Committee’s work.
On February 29th, a majority of KSL legislators convened a session and passed resolutions amending procedural rules. These resolutions curtailed the Speaker’s authority to appoint and dismiss committee members and stripped the speaker of contracting officer privileges. Legislator Silas was ousted as Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee, with Legislator Devon Andreas assuming the role.
Subsequently, on March 5th, Speaker Millan Isack tendered his resignation, citing the aforementioned resolutions as impelling factors behind his decision to step down. He stated, “The Majority’s action indicates a lack of respect, support, or alignment with my decisions… I cannot continue as Speaker without the backing of the majority.”
Notably, removal from committee positions does not affect the legislators’ roles within the 12th Koror State Legislature.