Fretilin ignores Anti-Corruption Commission

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

Ágio Pereira

December 7, 2009

Díli, Timor-Leste

Fretilin ignores Anti-Corruption Commission

On 27 November, the Prime Minister, His Excellency Xanana Gusmão, submitted a letter to the National Parliament which proposed Dr. Adérito de Jesus as a candidate to become the first Commissioner of the newly established Anti-Corruption Commission.

Dr. Adérito de Jesus is considered an outstanding candidate who can bring impartiality, dignity and professional excellence to the position.

The National Parliament was called to assess the candidacy and vote on December 4, 2009 for the appointment of the first Anti- Corruption Commissioner.

Under the law establishing the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Commissioner is appointed by the National Parliament on the recommendation of the Government.

The appointment of the Commissioner must be by an absolute majority of the Members of Parliament, provided that at least three quarters of the National Parliament are present.

Members of opposition did not show up for the vote ensuring that there was no quorum.

This has caused further delays in the establishment of the Xanana Gusmão Government's initiative of the Anti-Corruption Commission, an independent body to tackle corruption nepotism and cronyism.

Secretary of State Agio Pereira responded by saying, “The Anti-Corruption Commission will have full powers under the law to investigate acts of corruption and the 2010 budget has allocated the adequate budget for the establishment of the ACC. Fretilin supported the Anti-Corruption Commission but now seems unwilling to participate in electing a commissioner to launch the process. The Xanana Gusmão Government is ready and willing to ensure this independent body is established and operational as soon as possible.

'Considering the daily corruption allegations against the Government by opposition since August 2007, one would think Fretilin would have been first through the doors of National Parliament to become involved with such an important initiative for the nation. One can only conclude that Fretilin has no serious intention to tackle corruption. The media has been a much better avenue for them to utilize.”

The Xanana Gusmão Government is the first Government to tackle corruption despite the international community recommending anti corruption measures to all previous Governments. ENDS

For More Information Please Contact:

Ágio Pereira +670 723 0011 E-mail: agiopereira@cdm.gov.tl