Statement By The Spokesperson of the IV Constitutional Government,

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers

 

Díli – October 12, 2009

Government receives Vote of Confidence

 

Yesterday marked a new era for the democratic systems in the young seven-year old Nation-State of Timor-Leste.

The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, once again demonstrated his commitment to national leadership by willingly engaging in a ten hour frank and open debate over a ten hour period, responding to a Vote of no Confidence introduced by Fretilin.

The debate was broadcast live on television and radio, reaching out to the Nation and aired as far as Indonesia. The Prime Minister patiently listened to the criticisms and demands for explanation; and in turn, responded by providing as much information as parliamentary time permitted.

The Prime Minister reiterated the fact that the public debate, which was an open and transparent process, was a sign of great progress for the nation. During the era of the Former Government, it was extremely rare for the former Prime Minister and Members of Government to accede to respond to routine question time; using the absolute majority in Parliament to kill any move to censure Alkatiri’s Government.

The Prime Minister also reminded Opposition that although the report by the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) “Chega!” had been referred to the National Parliament in November 2005, no initiative was taken to debate and implement the recommendations by the former Government.

For the first time, Xanana Gusmão recounted the consultative process in the Bere case which included all the major office holders of the State; The President of the Republic, the Acting President of Court of Appeal (Natércia Gusmão), the Public Prosecutor General and the leader of the main opposition party, Mr Mari Alkatiri.

Gusmão described the public censure as ‘political opportunism’ on a matter that was deeply sensitive to the Timorese, “Political opportunism is perhaps the most powerful temptation of all in politics: it is very difficult to fight against a trend that is inherent to man, mostly to his smallness and his frailty before ideas and policies that are much stronger and much better prepared.”

Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, provided the Nation with his vision for the future with an honest and clear –cut approach to politics based on the fundamental national interests which echoed in the hearts and minds of the people.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, once again, proved his commitment to his People and to the Nation. The public debate served to build confidence in the IV Constitutional Government and in the end, the Gusmão Government received resounding support by National Parliament.