KOROR, Palau (6 Apr 2006) -- Governor Jackson Ngiraingas says he did not commit the crime of treason as he urged Peleliu state legislators in Palau to give him an opportunity to appear before them to defend himself. In his written response to the state legislature dated March 31, Ngiraingas said he should have been given a chance to be heard before lawmakers adopted the resolution impeaching him. "I would like to appear before the legislature to personally say something on my defense. I cannot fully defend myself by only writing to the legislature. I have records which I would like to show to the Legislature and explain to them," Ngiraingas said. The Peleliu State Legislature earlier adopted a resolution impeaching Ngiraingas for treason, for illegal spending state funds and for claiming to act on behalf of the people of the state when he accused President Tommy Remengesau, his wife, and two government ministers of irregularities. The resolution was adopted by a two-thirds vote and it gave Ngiraingas until April 1 to provide a written response to the allegations against him. According to the resolution, if Ngiraingas fails to secure the support of the majority of state legislators by April 8, then he will be removed from office and his position declared vacant. If legislators are satisfied with Ngiraingas' response, then the impeachment will be revoked by a majority vote. Ngiraingas said the court decision that found him personally liable for US$1.5 million is not treason. He said treason is attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government. According to Ngiraingas, the allegations against him are not true. | | UK Investments Holdings' of Malaysia aims to develop Peleliu into an international casino gambling and resort destination called Nautilus City. (Click image to open 620p x 400p graphic in new window.) He said it is not true that he failed to provide lawmakers with funds. The funding has been released, he added, which is the reason why the state is now operating. For the inflammatory letter he wrote to the president, he said it was about possible wrongdoings of Remengesau. "I carefully wrote the letter not to say that the president has done the things in the letter, but he may have done them," Ngiraingas said. SOURCE - Palau HorizonCDNN Related NewsPALAU - Personal attacks angers Palau presidentPALAU - Nautilus City Project sinking fastPALAU - Pro-gambling lobby rolls dice on Angaur casino bill |
