Remengesau told reporters that his legacy includes the fact that Palau is a peaceful and safe country; that Palau overcame tough financial situation, improved infrastructures and a renewed environmental awareness.
Remengesau will end his eight year term and will be sworn in as senator on January 15.“I am proud that in eight years, Palau has maintained a peaceful environment, there was no social unrest, no demonstration,” Remengesau said.The president added that Palau like the rest of the world has been through financial crisis.“The local revenues were small, it was a non-pay day weekend,” Remengesau said.He said but the government did not resort to lay-offs nor cutting of work hours for government officials despite the financial turmoil.He added that in order to improve infrastructure, Palau has strengthen its friendship with developed nations that assisted in the country’s development.He said that roads, telecommunication system, water quality and airport facilities advanced because of foreign assistance.As for the environmental awareness, Remengesau said “ Palau is in a sustainable path because people are more conscious of cultural heritage.Palau he said is blessed to have a world class natural attraction.“It can be destroyed if we are not careful,” Remengesau said.He said he is also proud that the tourist number has grown in the last eight years.The president said in the next four years he will continue his goal of environmental protection and opening Palau to new opportunities.Remengesau who was elected as one of the 13 senators said he will be introducing pieces of legislation on conservation.As for allegations of corruption, the president said records and documents will show that it has run the government professionally and corruption-free.“Those that made allegations of corruption must look at themselves first, their agenda is to throw mud,” Remengesau stressed.He said that The United States has given high marks to Palau on fiscal responsibility and that own audit reports showed that the government, with him at the helm-was used properly.“I have dedicated ministers, advisers who run the government,” Remengesau said.He also blamed the media for putting his administration in a negative light on the corruption allegations thrown at him.He said “media played a negative role in this administration.”He however is confident that “time will prove the professional work and commitment the ministers extended.”He said that the government was actually lenient about the allegations against the government.“It would have warrant a lawsuit,” Remengesau said.
