President Surangel Whipps Jr. has submitted the names of six ministerial appointees to the Senate for confirmation, with two key positions—Health and Justice—noticeably absent from the list.

The nominees include Kaleb Udui Jr. for the Ministry of Finance, Gustav Aitaro for the Ministry of State, Charles Obichang for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries, Ngirai Tmetuchl for the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development, Dr. Dale Jenkins for the Ministry of Education, and Steven Victor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment.

Despite previously indicating his intention to reappoint all of his ministers, President Whipps has not yet submitted the reappointment of Gaafar Uherbelau as Minister of Health and Human Services. Whipps also confirmed plans to appoint a vice president to oversee the Ministry of Justice. The vice president, unlike other cabinet members, does not require Senate confirmation.

In addition, President Whipps has proposed legislation to establish a new Ministry of Interior, which would expand the number of ministries from eight to nine. The new ministry would consolidate offices from various existing ministries, including the Bureau of Land and Survey (currently under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries) and the Office of the Public Defender (now under the Ministry of State). It would also oversee divisions previously part of the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, such as culture, youth, sports, traditional arts, and customs, currently housed under the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development.

Under Palau’s laws, the number of ministries and cabinet members can be amended to align with administrative needs. However, all ministerial appointments—except for the vice president—must receive Senate confirmation.