Overview:
This opinion submission delivers a strong critique of governance and policy direction in Palau, questioning whether leadership has lost touch with everyday realities. From fuel and food taxation policies to worsening health outcomes, the writer argues that rhetoric has replaced results.
With non-communicable diseases accounting for more than 70% of deaths and living costs continuing to climb, the piece calls for urgent reform, greater accountability, and a shift toward people-centered policymaking.
Dear Editor,
How can a leader take the oath of office — whether Senator, Delegate, President, or Minister — and suddenly become a “Doctor of Everything”? One day you are a farmer, the next you speak like an expert in sustainable financing. This is the frustration of Palau today: leaders who claim expertise in every field while failing to address the real burdens of the people.
Take the Government Stress Tax on fuel and food. Why does this tax benefit corporations but not nonprofits? How can corporations receive credits and refunds when customers already paid the tax in the built-in pricing of goods? This is not relief for the people; it is relief for the powerful. Meanwhile, ordinary Palauans earn $5 an hour while gas costs $7 a gallon. How can families survive when the scale of our economy means we pay more for items simply because we lack the numbers to buy in bulk?
The hypocrisy deepens when leaders boast about programs for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Funds are allocated, workshops are being held, yet NCD deaths continue to rise. As of early 2026, NCDs account for over 70% of all deaths in Palau, a worsening trend despite the national goal to reduce mortality by 25% by 2025. Out of every 100 deaths, 70 are NCD-related. This is not about the people managing the funds; it is about leaders who fail to give clear directions. They talk about health, tax, and the economy, but they do not act with urgency.
We are too smart for our own good. Degrees and titles mean little if leaders cannot translate knowledge into solutions. You can master books but still have no clue about life and work. Right now, Palau stands at a crossroads. Will we continue to react — patching problems with slogans and temporary fixes — or WILL WE BE PROACTIVE, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS THAT TRULY HELP OUR PEOPLE?
If NCD deaths continue at 70%, Palau will face a demographic crisis. We will not have enough people to sustain our nation, and others will begin to claim Palau for themselves. This is not alarmism; it is math. A shrinking, unhealthy population cannot defend sovereignty, culture, or economy.
So, the rant is not just anger. It is a call to action. Leaders must stop pretending to be experts in everything and start listening to the people. Address the Stress Tax. Lower the cost of living. Create real health interventions. Build an economy that works for families, not just corporations.
Everything to Everyone and Nothing for Ourselves. That is the principle we need — a government that sacrifices for the people, not one that sacrifices the people for profit.
Your Humble Servant
Dudalm Kelulau
The Silent Majority
by Dudalm Kelulau
alkahalic6801@gmail.com
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Overview:
This opinion submission delivers a strong critique of governance and policy direction in Palau, questioning whether leadership has lost touch with everyday realities. From fuel and food taxation policies to worsening health outcomes, the writer argues that rhetoric has replaced results.
With non-communicable diseases accounting for more than 70% of deaths and living costs continuing to climb, the piece calls for urgent reform, greater accountability, and a shift toward people-centered policymaking.
Dear Editor,
How can a leader take the oath of office — whether Senator, Delegate, President, or Minister — and suddenly become a “Doctor of Everything”? One day you are a farmer, the next you speak like an expert in sustainable financing. This is the frustration of Palau today: leaders who claim expertise in every field while failing to address the real burdens of the people.
Take the Government Stress Tax on fuel and food. Why does this tax benefit corporations but not nonprofits? How can corporations receive credits and refunds when customers already paid the tax in the built-in pricing of goods? This is not relief for the people; it is relief for the powerful. Meanwhile, ordinary Palauans earn $5 an hour while gas costs $7 a gallon. How can families survive when the scale of our economy means we pay more for items simply because we lack the numbers to buy in bulk?
The hypocrisy deepens when leaders boast about programs for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Funds are allocated, workshops are being held, yet NCD deaths continue to rise. As of early 2026, NCDs account for over 70% of all deaths in Palau, a worsening trend despite the national goal to reduce mortality by 25% by 2025. Out of every 100 deaths, 70 are NCD-related. This is not about the people managing the funds; it is about leaders who fail to give clear directions. They talk about health, tax, and the economy, but they do not act with urgency.
We are too smart for our own good. Degrees and titles mean little if leaders cannot translate knowledge into solutions. You can master books but still have no clue about life and work. Right now, Palau stands at a crossroads. Will we continue to react — patching problems with slogans and temporary fixes — or WILL WE BE PROACTIVE, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS THAT TRULY HELP OUR PEOPLE?
If NCD deaths continue at 70%, Palau will face a demographic crisis. We will not have enough people to sustain our nation, and others will begin to claim Palau for themselves. This is not alarmism; it is math. A shrinking, unhealthy population cannot defend sovereignty, culture, or economy.
So, the rant is not just anger. It is a call to action. Leaders must stop pretending to be experts in everything and start listening to the people. Address the Stress Tax. Lower the cost of living. Create real health interventions. Build an economy that works for families, not just corporations.
Everything to Everyone and Nothing for Ourselves. That is the principle we need — a government that sacrifices for the people, not one that sacrifices the people for profit.
Your Humble Servant
Dudalm Kelulau
The Silent Majority
by Dudalm Kelulau
alkahalic6801@gmail.com
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