Kelulau El Ngau (Ruling with Might Not Right) Kelulau el ngau (leadership by fire) is ruling with the philosophy of using power, might, or any forceful means to achieve victory or control over who ever, especially those who oppose you. This is one of the seven kelulau (ruling or governing) Palauan principles which was normally the least preferred approach among the seven models according to proper Palauan edicts (ungil llach er Belau). Such model of governance (omerreder) has a characteristic that is very similar to the idea of ruling with an iron fist. There is no room for giving the other side a chance to justify their position let alone backing off. It relies on the concept of meeting the opposition with equal and quick force if not more to neutralize the other side. The unruly (bekeu e diak el ulkerreu) behavior is the trade mark of this people. This is the most volatile (ngobubuu e odikl) but unfortunately is much encouraged and utilized in most of our affairs today in our families, clans, communities, traditions, churches, businesses, and politics. I remember Dr. Vitarelli strong statement in a roomful of judges, lawyers, and other public officials connected to the court at Coral Reef Center during his last and final visit to Palau before he passed away. “Judges, lawyers, senators, and congressmen lie!” It was quite embarrassing and uncomfortable moment for me because I did not know how to handle such direct and pungent (mesisiich) criticism to the very people in the room. Strange because he was a guest of the Palau Supreme Court and I was invited by the Court to listen to the man speak. Of course, he was not a bit hesitant to say so because he was referring to American judges, lawyers, and congressmen. His government used its power to accuse and charge him of being a socialist/communist sympathizer for helping the Palauan people realize the beauty of their culture and traditions; he encouraged Palauans to pursue self-reliance and true independence. His government made sure he was going to suffer because during McCarthyism era nobody will hire a commie. I felt sorry for him because he was suppressed into poverty and nowhere to run in his own country. In fact during this time while the government was attacking him, he was a man without a country. He had to survive on handouts by few friends and generous people to support his family. It is dangerous when government powers are used against individuals. It took over forty years to finally win his case against US Government. Today I can relate to Dr. Viteralli’s experience in small ways. In 2010 I was denied entry into the senate chambers to attend a public hearing as a citizen. I was told the day before on the phone that I will not be allowed. Upon my arrival that day sergeant at arms were placed at all doors and specifically instructed to block me from accessing the publicized scheduled public hearing. I filed a case and asked the Court for preliminary judgment on its reading my constitutional right based on Article 4 Section 12 (a citizen has the right to examine any government document and to observe the official deliberations of any agency of government). The Court issued its opinion that I could not attend the public hearing because senate is not an agency of government. I chose to dismiss my case fearing that the Court was going to stick with this ludicrous interpretation (klebelung el omgiuel) of the word agency and therefore would embolden government to further block certain individuals from participating in our government. I decided to wait for another day for the opportunity to present itself in court with a fair judge. Another experience is more recent when I was summoned to the Court and scolded for having written about a case after the court had already issued a press release and publicized it in the local newspapers. As a citizen, I have freedom of speech protected in the constitution. Now, writing about the Court is a dangerous business because I have cases in Court or I will face the judges in their courtrooms someday in the future for one reason or another. Criticizing or taking on the court is unheard of in Palau. It is just too risky and sacrificing too much for any person. That’s why nobody is doing it so I must be some kind of a nut head. Maybe because I am afraid too but I will strongly oppose it every time I feel my government suppresses me in any way. I firmly believe what is right should be protected if our society will continue to peacefully exist. And I hope there are still some good men and women among us. Another incident of the same kind is happening at Mindszenty where parents were literally scolded for taking a stand to secure their children’s interests in school. The church is very much like the Court where no one dares to question its authority. The great danger in these incidences is when people in such institutions (government and church alike) use great power to untruthfully suppress others. At least that is the perception (osengir) of the parents much like what I was feeling with my government in the above experiences. I can only begin to understand the fear and danger that Dr. Viteralli went through. I remain steadfast (mesisiich a renguk) every time I read this adage: “Evil will triumph when good men do nothing.” (Tribute to Dr. Viteralli).
Posted on: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 09:41:42 +0000
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