Dili, September 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Timor-Leste Youth Disability Movement (MJDTL), as a social movement that monitors pressing social issues in the country, held a press conference this past Saturday.
MJDTL spokesperson, Castro Afonso, stated that based on Article 40 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, everyone has the right to freedom of expression and the right to access correct information. Paragraph 2 of the same article affirms that freedom of speech and access to information cannot be restricted by any form of censorship.
“This provision is meant to protect and defend individual rights, safeguard the public interest, and uphold the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution to guarantee democratic legality in the State. Public concerns and the legal foundation affirm that Members of Parliament are the holders of sovereign power representing all the people of Timor-Leste, regardless of their electoral mandate,” said MJDTL spokesperson, Castro Afonso.
He went on to stress that Members of Parliament play a very important role in a pluralist and participatory democracy, differentiating their functions, powers, rights, and responsibilities.
“We, MJDTL, wish to convey to the National Parliament that the country continues to face multidimensional social crises and challenges that have resulted in widespread violence and crime across almost the entire territory. According to reports and research findings, 41.8% of the population lives under the absolute poverty line and suffers from multidimensional deprivation,” said Afonso.
He further cited a report by the General Directorate of Statistics of the Ministry of Finance, the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), and the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched on 26 January 2023, which stated that the unemployment rate in Timor-Leste stood at 5.1%. Additionally, a World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that 47.1% of children in Timor suffer from malnutrition.
“In light of this situation, MJDTL and its members urge the National Parliament to cancel the planned procurement of 65 Prado vehicles for Members of Parliament. Indeed, Law No. 22/2023 of 29 December, the Third Amendment to Law No. 5/2004 of 5 May (Statute of Members of Parliament), Article 12, paragraph A, stipulates that Members of Parliament are entitled to transport facilities for carrying out parliamentary missions. However, the reality is that while our people continue to live in poverty and hardship, Members of Parliament enjoy privileges written into their statute, such as those outlined in Articles 16 and 21, which include entitlement to diplomatic passports, medical assistance, and medications,” he said.
He added that Members of Parliament are also entitled to a survival pension, reintegration subsidies, death subsidies, and annual and monthly allowances set by the National Parliament. They also receive attendance fees and other additional supplements. The survival pension extends to surviving spouses or underage/disabled children, amounting to 75% of the monthly pension.
“Extravagant spending by the Parliament, especially the recurrent purchase of vehicles each legislative term, risks creating negative social and political impacts. Such budgetary policies exploit state financial resources without considering fiscal sustainability and do not promote the people’s prosperity. The purchase of new vehicles by Parliament is inconsistent with the principle of social justice. This budget allocation deepens social and economic deficiencies and threatens citizens’ fundamental rights to live with dignity and prosperity,” he emphasized.
He further argued that state funds should be directed toward fundamental priorities such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure to meet common interests. Therefore, Members of Parliament must set a good example of sound financial management.
“We, from the Timor-Leste Youth Disability Movement, strongly recommend that the National Parliament cancel the procurement of new Prado vehicles. We urge Members of Parliament to focus on benefits that directly impact the people. The Parliament must prioritize development programs,” he declared.
He stressed that MJDTL also calls on the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice to exercise its constitutional mandate. Specifically, abstract review of the Statute of Members of Parliament under Article 150 of the Constitution is needed, recommending Members of Parliament to review Law No. 22/2023 of 29 December, particularly Articles 12(a), 16, and 21, as the Third Amendment to Law No. 5/2004 of 5 May.
He explained further that the decision to procure new Prado vehicles has become a matter of public concern, and MJDTL’s recommendation to Parliament as the people’s representative highlights the need to respect citizens’ aspirations. If Timor-Leste is to be recognized internationally as a fiscally responsible state, Members of Parliament must uphold human rights, justice, transparency, and fairness for the people.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano