Palau Senate
Photo: SPREP
Palau’s Senate president Hokkons Baules has rejected allegations made in a recent designation from the United States.
The US State Department said last month it had designated him “for his involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors”.
According to the State Department, Baules abused his public position by accepting bribes in exchange for providing advocacy and support for government, business, and criminal interests from China.
“His actions constituted significant corruption and adversely affected US interests in Palau,” the department said.
The Island Times reported Baules, in remarks addressed to fellow senators of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau (National Cnngress) and to the people of Palau, said he was “confused” by claims that he was involved in corruption, associated with China criminals, or had accepted money from China businessmen.
“I don’t know what corruption I am involved in Palau or outside of Palau,” Baules said.
Baules said he stands by the oath taken when the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau was sworn in – to “protect and defend Palau, Palau’s Constitution, Palau laws and laws of its 16 states”.
The US State Department also indicated Baules and his immediate family are banned from entering the United States.
Baules questioned the basis for it but said it’s their country and their discretion.
“My question is: have I broken any US laws while living in Palau? I don’t know what US laws I have broken,” he said.
“But it is okay. It is their country, so it’s their discretion whether I can go there or not. Anyways, I am not crying to go to the United States.”
Senate Vice President Senator, Stevenson Kuartei, and Palau Ambassador to the United States, Hersey Kyota, have requested information from the State Department on the allegations.
Baules has urged President Surangel Whipps Jr. and the Ministry of State to make similar requests.
“If such information is available at the US Department of State, have them send it to Palau,” Baules said.
“If that information says I am involved in corruption, let the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney-General sue me.
“If it is proven in court that I did have criminal involvement, let it be. Let me be put in jail for it, and I’ll resign from the Senate because I’ve broken the law.”
US laws allow the government to name foreign nationals and their close family if there is strong evidence they were involved in serious corruption or human rights violations.
