Overview:
As 2025 draws to a close, Alonzo Kahalic reflects on what true leadership should look like—through the timeless lessons carved into the bai. Drawing on tradition, humility and responsibility, this opinion challenges leaders to move beyond complaints and return their focus to preparation, unity and service to the people.
Dear Editor,
What Leaders Should Do: Lessons from the Bai
As 2025 closes, our leaders must be reminded of what they should do and not what they complain about. Too often, we hear endless criticism of PPUC and its services, yet little action to provide the resources needed for quality service. Complaining without giving resources is like standing in the rain, complaining that I am getting wet and not using an umbrella, and then blaming the storm. Leadership is not about complaints. It is about preparation, foresight, solutions and responsibility.
The bai, our traditional meeting house, still teaches us what leadership should mean. Its symbols reminds chiefs — and today’s elected leaders — of their duties. The rooster carved at the entrance calls leaders to rise early, to hear the cries of those in need and to act to address those in need before the day end. Our leaders should wake not to just argue about PPUC, but to address the rising costs of food, gasoline, airline tickets, and taxes on on the people. Families can no longer send care packages abroad because of foreign tariffs, yet our leaders remain silent. A true leader wakes early to hear all cries, not just the ones that are convenient.
The bat above the low entrance reminds leaders to bow their heads in humility. Our leaders should humble themselves and be reminded to read, research, and understand the effects of their policies before making laws. Too often, laws are passed without study, without consideration of how they will impact ordinary Palauans. Humility means listening, learning, and serving — not pretending all is well because you have resources to cover your own expenses. Example… PGST.
The giant clam painted on the bai warns that chiefs may appear passive, but they will protect the people effectively and quickly. Leaders need to be ready, calm and decisive so that the people can depend on their clear direction and not just complain about PPUC while ignoring broader economic burdens is careless. Leaders should provide solutions, allocate resources, and anticipate consequences.
The black fish remind us that leadership is about guiding the school, keeping the people together. When leaders scatter themselves in arguments and personal attacks, the people scatter too. Leaders should unify, not divide. They should work together to address inequities in grants, to ensure fairness in budgets, and to strengthen the nation against external pressures.
Traditionally, chiefs carried their own treasury, tichiau resourcescontributed by their clans to meet their obligations. They were prepared, educated, and observed carefully before being chosen. Leadership was feared because it meant sacrifice: fishing to feed the hungry, finding medicine for the sick, protecting the community. Today, leadership is sought for prestige, not responsibility. Our leaders should return to the old understanding: that titles mean obligation, not privilege.
So let us remind our leaders: wake early like the rooster, stoop humbly like the bat, act carefully like the clam, guide like the fish, and carry the treasury with responsibility. Complaints do not build nations. Responsibility does.
The People. Always the People.
Your Humble Servant
Al Kahalic