Dili, 09 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – Association Hali Ba Dame (HABADA) regrets the appointment of candidates to the National Police of Timor Leste (PNTL), but the government still ignores.
Executive Director of Association Hali Ba Dame (HABADA), Abel Amaral says the only path is to not accept decisions that violate the RDTL Constitution, previously concerned about regrets regarding the appointment of candidates.
“The only path is we don’t accept any decisions that violate the constitution, previously concerned about our regrets regarding the appointment of candidates but the government still ignores, we won’t stop, we’ll keep raising our voice because in a state of law, the law is supreme, so we can’t be discouraged by politicians who aren’t concerned about civil society’s concerns and the public’s, because if we let them make mistakes, one day institutions will fail, so HABADA won’t let anyone make decisions against the law, that’s what we want to say to the public.” says HABADA’s executive director
The director also added that it’s not about personal likes or dislikes, there’s no issue with individuals, but the minister should make decisions based on the constitution, principle of legality.
“It’s not that we don’t like individuals, we have no issue with individuals, we have no issue with the interior minister as a person, we want the minister to make decisions based on the constitution, principle of legality, we have no issue with the individuals who received appointments from politicians, but we’re looking at the legality, for the two who received positions as commander general and deputy commander general, assistant commissioner, this isn’t a personal attack, we’re standing for legality because your appointments are a big responsibility, not an opportunity, you leaders should uphold the law, so appointments that violate the law are a challenge to you both, that’s why we’re not silent when decisions violate legality.” says Abel Marcal
Serious violation of the statute because the ministerial dispatch resolution, ministerial diploma should reflect the government’s decree, can’t be separated from the government’s decree, advisors in the Interior Ministry should provide advice on matters and reflect the situations of each institution, especially PNTL.