DILI, 9 december 2021 (TATOLI) – Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC) is committed to combating corruption in Timor-Leste, said the Commissary of CAC, Sergio Hornai.
“National Seminar, and other anti-corruption related events and activities were part of our commitment to strengthen Timor-Leste’s anti-corruption measures to prevent and combat corruption in the country,” Hornai made the comments in his remarks at the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day 2021, at CNE’s hall, in Dili, on Thursday.
He said corruption is a complex phenomenon facing many countries across the globe: “Corruption has been described as a disease which could completely destroy a society and a State.”
Hornai said combating corruption required a collective effort of all parties: “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today to combat corruption.”
He said fighting and preventing corruption is vital to strengthen national integrity.
Hornai revealed that currently more than 70 corruption cases had been registered at CAC.
“Corruption would destroy the foundation of rule of law and democracy, putting the nation’s natural resources in danger and increasing divisiveness in the society,” Hornai stressed.
He said to raise the awareness of the public on Timor-Leste’s commitment and its anti-corruption measures; CAC had realized national seminars attended by public and private sectors, public officials, civil society, religious leaders, CCI-TL to combat corruption.
“We need to strengthen our investigation system to discover and dismantle corruption practices, as well as strengthening institutional integrity to ensure good governance,” said Hornai.
He stressed that all parties must put efforts together to establish Anti-corruption national strategy policy as it is defined in article No.2/7/2020 on anti-corruption measures and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (NODC).
“Anti-Corruption International Day under the theme: “Your Right, Your Role: Say No To Corruption” inspires us to be aware that corruption would bring consequences to all people. Therefore, fighting corruption is everyone’s business, including government, public officials, media, private sector, public and private institutions, academicians, and communities,” said Hornai.
Hornai called on all parties to say no to corruption in Timor-Leste.
At the same place the Representative of the UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani said in the Asia Pacific region, Timor-Leste is recognized as one of the countries that have made continued and steady progress in the area of anti-corruption.
“According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Timor-Leste is one of the significant improvers, with the country’s CPI jumping 10 points between 2013 and 2020,” said Durrani.
The corruption Rank in Timor-Leste decreased to 86 in 2020 from 93 in 2019.
In addition, the President of the Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeal, Deolindo dos Santos said that fighting corruption required the wiliness of all citizens.
“Combating corruption is like a big war which needs the contribution of different fronts,” said Santos.
International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually, on 9 December, since the passage of the United Nations Convention against Corruption on October 31, 2003, to raise public awareness for anti-corruption.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
