In 1968, he won a seat in Palau legislature and became vice speaker.

In 1980, he was elected as the first President of Palau, and he won re-election in 1984.

Remeliik was shot in the driveway of his home by an unidentified gunman.

[6] In March 2000, former presidential candidate and convicted felon John O. Ngiraked claimed responsibility for the conspiracy to kill Remeliik.

[6][7] Persistent allegations that Remeliik was killed by the CIA due to his firm anti-nuclear stance have continued after the trial and Ngiraked's confession.