Dili, August 22, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Executive Director of HAK Association, Feliciano da Costa Araújo, expressed hope that the Prime Minister will not only reform the Ministry of Agriculture but also other relevant ministries that have so far carried out their duties poorly. The statement was delivered by the HAK Director at his office.
He explained that on this occasion, HAK, as an association with the mandate and competence to monitor government performance, wished to present some reflections based on its monitoring of relevant ministries.
“To inform society, HAK has continuously worked in cooperation with ministries, especially when monitoring has uncovered irregularities. HAK has always promptly informed the relevant ministries. For instance, in previous years during national dialogue, we invited the Minister of Agriculture himself to participate in interventions and also to attend opening ceremonies,” said HAK’s Executive Director, Feliciano da Costa Araújo.
He clarified that HAK’s competence is different from that of the Prime Minister. While the PM has the authority to reform cabinet members under his leadership, HAK’s role is to observe and provide oversight, highlighting realities faced by communities in municipalities, not to directly evaluate ministries’ work.
“When we talk about quality production, we must also look at proper irrigation systems. But in reality, this government especially the Ministry of Agriculture has already entered a pre-campaign mode. That’s why HAK insists that interventions are necessary from this ministry. At the same time, we expect the Prime Minister to also reform other ministries, not only the Ministry of Agriculture,” the Director emphasized.
He stressed that expectations are high because the PM has already acted on the Ministry of Agriculture. But he must also address other ministries that have not demonstrated significant progress, despite the country’s Strategic Development Plan (2011–2030) nearing its conclusion. He gave an example: the Ministry of Health. Problems remain unresolved, though there was a recent groundbreaking for a new four-story hospital with Japanese government funding. HAK hopes this project will be completed within the current mandate.
HAK also pointed to the Ministry of Education, stressing the need for reform since many officials in this ministry have served since previous governments but have not shown meaningful progress. Another concern was the Ministry of Tourism, which has yet to develop attractive sites to draw visitors.
“Today we highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture because our monitoring found not only problems in irrigation but also issues in seed distribution and community assistance. We all know tractors were recently purchased, but until now we don’t know where they are. This is one of HAK’s discoveries, and we need to speak out and ensure the public knows about production efforts being undertaken in our own land,” said HAK’s Executive Director, Feliciano da Costa Araújo.
He concluded by stressing that the nation’s development depends on the hard work of all ministries so that Timor-Leste can progress and ensure a better life for its people. Therefore, HAK continues to call on the Prime Minister to reform not only the Ministry of Agriculture but also other ministries that have been ineffective or failed to work properly, so that the nation can move forward.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas