The task force which is looking into operation of the UK Investment Holdings Limited and the spat between former Palau Ambassador to Taiwan Jackson Henry and Davidson recommended to the president the removal of the two from their posting.
The president did not immediately heed the task force’s recommendation and said he will still consult the matter with the Malaysian government.
“I don’t want this thing to affect Palau’s relationship with Malaysia,” Toribiong stated.
The task force also recommended the president asks for Henry’s resignation, the former Palau Ambassador to Taiwan however jumped the gun on Toribiong and sent his letter of resignation to the president May 24.
Toribiong said that if Henry had not resigned, he will also consult the Taiwan government first before removing the former official from his post.
The task force however was unable to reach a conclusion to the issues that led to the dispute between Henry and Davidson because documents were insufficient.
“It is the opinion of your Task Force that the resolution of the ongoing disputes can only be concluded by the parties themselves through mediation or via legal processes.”
The task force stated that the mere existence of the dispute justifies the relieving of the two officials because it has undermined the credibility and integrity of the national government.
Henry and Palau’s honorary consul to Malaysia Davidson were earlier placed under administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation being conducted by the task force created to look into alleged fraud into the dealings of the controversial UK-Investment Holdings Limited.
Henry has filed a libel suit against Davidson and is seeking damages. In Davidson’s answer and counterclaim to Henry’s civil action suit, he is also seeking damages.
The two exchanged heated and conflicting accusations and carried on the debates using advertisements published in newspapers. The spat was apparently due to exchange of monies and the involvement in the nonexistent project in Angaur.
