Youth Congress senator says he feels ‘abandoned’

Former Youth Congress acting speaker Malcolm J. Omar said something “very wrong” occurred in last Saturday’s election of officers, noting that the process ran contrary to the consensus reached among themselves during previous caucuses.

According to Omar, in caucuses held days before the Oct. 15 Youth Congress inauguration at the CNMI Legislature building, they agreed that he, being one of the most senior members of the body, would be elected as speaker.

On Saturday, the body elected Alvie Sanchez, whom Omar considers a long-time high school friend.

In an interview, Omar said he supports Sanchez in her new post but he admits that he felt betrayed.

“During the caucuses, they all assured me that it’s me. I would be coming late during those caucuses because my brother died but every time I asked them if I still have their support, they’d say, yes, I will vote for you,” said Omar, 18.

He said he and Sanchez have been good friends back in Kagman High School. In fact, he said that he decided not to run for election during the 6th Youth Congress “to promote her and campaign for her.”

“I have no problem with her as a speaker, but the thing is she herself said many times in the past that she’s not interested in the leadership. So I wanted to get her into my team as my secretary general. The way I see it, she’s pushed into it. So I’m asking, is politics behind it?” Omar said.

The Saipan Tribune tried to contact Sanchez several times yesterday but she was not immediately available for comment.

Omar lost by seven votes to Sanchez.

The Youth Congress consists of 23 elected members from high schools and precincts in the CNMI.

Omar hinted that “political supporters of certain candidates” may have intervened in the process.

He insisted that he never brought his politics into caucuses. He said that people can look at his work record and find that he has actively pushed for programs that would benefit the CNMI youths.

Omar was first elected to the 5th Youth Congress, then the 7th, and lately, this year to the 8th Youth Congress.

Sanchez first came in the 6th, then in the 7th and 8th Youth Congresses.

All but one of the 23 newly elected youth senators were sworn in as members of the 8th CNMI Youth Congress Saturday.

Sanchez, who represents Election Precinct 1 in Saipan, was named the new speaker for the youth group; Esther Genevieve F. Omar from the same district was voted vice speaker; youth senator Joseph K. Leong-Aguon of Kagman High School was chosen floor leader; and Rika Matsumoto of Grace Christian Academy took on her new role as legislative secretary.

Nikita P. Mendiola from Election Precinct 5 on Tinian and Aguingan could not make it to the inauguration because of a death in the family.

Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan administered the oath of office during the ceremony at the Legislative Building.

Also present were Gov. Juan N. Babauta, House Speaker Benigno Fitial, senators and representatives, and the youth senators’ families and friends.

Omar said that, for the first time, it was the House speaker who presided in the Youth Congress inauguration Saturday. Authorities said, though, that the speaker’s action was legal.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen it. Traditionally, the elected government officials would be in attendance but it’s the Youth Congress speaker who presides over [the meeting],” said Omar.

Omar was acting Youth Congress speaker until Saturday on behalf of Brian Sers Nicolas, who is in Hawaii.