The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

 

Díli, December 3, 2009

 

Letter of proposal for candidate to lead the Anti-Corruption Commission delivered to National Parliament

The Prime Minister has submitted a letter to the National Parliament which proposes Mr. Adérito de Jesus as a candidate to become the first Commissioner of the newly established Anti-Corruption Commission.

The highly regarded Mr. Adérito de Jesus has an outstanding record of both academic and professional excellence.

Mr. Adérito de Jesus holds a Bachelor of Law Degree from Satya Wacana University in Indonesia and a Master of Law Degree from New York University. He has worked for multiple international and national NGO’s in Timor-Leste and Indonesia, was a respected law lecturer at the National University and a valued consultant to the United Nations.

Mr. Adérito de Jesus has an intimate knowledge of the legal framework of the nation; as an elected official to the Constituent Assembly of Timor-Leste in 2001, he was instrumental in drafting the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. He is currently undertaking a PhD at the Centre for International Justice and Governance at the Australian National University.

“Mr. Adérito de Jesus is a welcomed candidate for the role of Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission” said the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. “He is a man of unquestionable integrity with outstanding professional qualifications, he would represent the best interests of the nation and the people of Timor-Leste with the highest degree of standards.’

‘We request National Parliament consider this appointment on merit, qualifications, professional capacity and dedication and service to our nation.”

Under the law establishing the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Commissioner is appointed by the National Parliament on the recommendation of the Government. The appointment of the Commissioner must be by an absolute majority of the Members of Parliament, provided that at least three quarters of the National Parliament are present.

If appointed, Mr. Adérito de Jesus , will be required as Commissioner to conduct the affairs of the Commission, employ staff and appoint up to three Deputy Commissioners to assist with the operations of the Commission.

The Anti-Corruption Commission will be an independent body that reports to the National Parliament with a mandate to conduct investigations into acts of corruption, carry out education campaigns and provide advice to all public departments and agencies on how to prevent corruption.