Mario: Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism Flourishing in Timor-Leste Because Xanana is Weak‏

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Written by Isac da Conceicao - Radio Liberdade - Thursday, 16 June 2011 - Translation from Tetum

Radio Online – PSD (Social Democratic Party) Member of the National Parliament, Mario Viegas Carrascalao considers Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism (known by its Tetum/Indonesian acronym “KKN”) is flourishing in the AMP because the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao does not have the strength to act against the members of his government.

Carrascalao said this in relation to statements made directly by the Head of Government himself that his ministers were greedy for money and abused this money to engage in KKN.

“Just when I was set to act, I was said to be acting like the opposition and should also look at it from the other side,” Carrascalao said in the National Parliament recently (14.6.2011).

According to Carrascalao, PM Xanana is not corrupt, but he is too soft in acting and has allowed people to keep doing it. Carrascalao said he did not want to play around with people who wanted to steal the peoples’ money and would be merciless.

At the same time, Gertrudes Moniz a PD Member of Parliament also acknowledged that there are some members of government do not implement their programs in accordance to what they present to parliament in the general state budget. According to her there are strong indications members of government are engaging in KKN.

“We have monitored many programs that have moved forward and many that have no quality. The result is that a lot of money has gone into private hands,” Moniz lamented.

MP Inacio Moreira also said the same when he questioned PM Xanana’s statement that his ministers were greedy for money. According to Inacio, this is a great embarrassment. It is better for these ministers whose programs are not moving forward and have been subject

to persistent criticism from the people to resign from their portfolio as minister.

“If I was in their shoes (members of government) I would have resigned already. I would not want my face to be covered like buffalo hide. Some people have no shame,” Inacio stressed. (ends)

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