TLPres: TMR on declaration of assets‏

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My beloved People of Timor-Leste,

On 20 May 2012, I was sworn in as the Head State of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

It was a moment when you, the people of Timor-Leste, entrusted me with powers and privileges to serve you. And with these powers and privileges come with the highest and most serious of responsibilities.

Part of my responsibilities is that I fulfill the promises of my election campaign. One of these was that I seek to set an example of clean and self-disciplined politics in Timor-Leste.

Corruption is slowly and insidiously infecting our society. It undermines our moral character and weakens our institutions. In an era when we need to show discipline to achieve the national development goals there is no greater threat to our national objectives than the pursuit of corruption in the interest oneself.

As President, I am making a full and complete declaration of my personal assets totally public.

I do this so that people can know what personal assets I hold during my Presidency and I pledge to make annual declarations of assets until the end of my term in Office. I do this to fulfill my pledge to lead by example in our fight against corruption.

The Office of the President is a public office that I have been entrusted with to perform a constitutional role that is critical to the functioning of the State. The Office is not a tool for my own personal enrichment.

By making this declaration of my personal assets and through annual declarations I shall, in accordance with my responsibilities to all citizens and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, demonstrate that I do not and will not use my position to enrich myself and to practise such corrupt behaviour.

In the jungle we used to talk of a Timor-Leste free of the corruption of others who have come to rule over us. Many Timorese shed their blood for this dream. We must not forget the patriotic ideals that guided us in the past. They are now consumed by the virus of corruption.

I call upon all members of government, national parliament, the courts and all public officials to join with me to present full and complete declaration of personal assets annually.

Let us all stand firmly in this fight to make a strong, free and prosperous Timor-Leste. Those who choose not to join in this struggle against corruption should ask themselves if they are truly fit for public office. It is the people of Timor-Leste, whom we serve every day, are the true judge of the credibility of those in public office and in the end our people make the final decision of our fates.

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