Overview:
Palau lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would shift more power to the Senate by requiring confirmation of the attorney general and public safety director—two roles at the center of law enforcement and legal decision-making.
Proposed bill adds Attorney General, Public Safety director to confirmation list
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
NGERULMUD, Palau (April 23, 2026) — A Senate bill introduced this week would require legislative confirmation for two of the government’s most powerful law enforcement and legal posts, a change supporters say would strengthen oversight but critics warn could inject politics into sensitive roles.
Senate Bill No. 12-66, introduced on the eighth day of the Sixth Regular Session, seeks to amend Section 101 of Title 18 and Section 5021 of Title 34 to require Senate confirmation for presidential appointments to the attorney general and the director of the Bureau of Public Safety.
Under current law, both officials serve at the president’s pleasure and do not require legislative approval. The proposed measure would add the positions to a list that already includes judges, cabinet ministers, ambassadors, the special prosecutor, members of boards and commissions, and the public auditor — the only post that also requires House of Delegates approval.
Lawmakers expressed mixed views during initial debate.
Sen. Rukebai Inabo raised concerns about potential political pressure, noting that both roles are closely tied to investigations and prosecutions. “As much as possible, their appointments should not be political,” she said, warning that officials could feel their positions are at risk if Congress is dissatisfied with their work.
Sen. Salvador Tellames supported the bill, arguing that a confirmation process would reduce political favoritism and increase public trust. He said the positions carry significant discretionary authority and should undergo congressional vetting to review an appointee’s background, qualifications and experience. “The confirmation process will give the public confidence in these crucial government positions and remove the risk of appointments based on personal relationship or political loyalty,” he said.
The Bureau of Public Safety director operates under the Ministry of Justice but is appointed directly by the president — a practice rooted in a 1966 Trust Territory law that was later carried into Palau’s National Code. Lawmakers previously discussed revisiting the structure during a 2023 Ministry of Justice oversight hearing.
Similar systems exist elsewhere. In the United States, the president nominates the attorney general, who must be confirmed by the Senate, while some states elect attorneys general by popular vote.
The bill passed its first reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs for further review.
