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By Rolynda Jonathan
The Ninth Constitutional Government of Palau including the Ninth Olbiil Era Kelulau (Congress) was officially installed on January 17, dosage 2013 at the Capitol building in Ngerulmud, search Melekeok.
Hundreds of friends, families, supporters and members of the general public attended the simple and brief swearing in ceremony for President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and Vice President Antonio Bells.
Former President Johnson Toribiong was on hand during the ceremony to formally handover the ongall, a traditional exchange signifying the entrance of a new government and the exit of another.
In his speech, President Remengesau Jr. thanked his family, friends and his supporters for their endless support and for witnessing the ceremony. He also announced his first order of business by introducing two bills, the Open Government Act, which promises transparency in his administration, and the Responsible Compensation Act to lower the salaries of high officials.
Prior to the installation of the Ninth government, members of Congress took their oaths in their respective chambers and inducted officers for each respective body.
In the Senate, Senator Camsek Chin was inducted as Senate President with Senator Hokkons Baules as Vice President and Senator Raynold Oilouch remaining as the Floor Leader.
In the House of Delegates, Delegate Sabino Anastacio of Ngchesar State was inducted as Speaker with Delegate Alexander Merep of Koror State as Vice Speaker and Delegate Mario Gulibert of Angaur State as Floor Leader.
The swearing in ceremony for the new government was brief and informal as a result of the recent devastation Palau sustained by Super Typhoon Bopha.
