The President of the Republic Taur Matan Ruak called on veterans to distance themselves from government projects because the law does not permit it.
The Head of State raised the issue in relation to some veterans who were given projects from by government.
“The President alerts you to immediately distance yourselves from this, and appeals to the fifth constitutional government to not support these initiatives,” said President Ruak at the 38th anniversary of FALINTIL Day in Betano, Manufahi district.
He said this was against the law and set a bad example for the new generation, that’s why they should stop it now.
In response to the statement, the Secretary of State for Veterans Issues Julio Sarmento da Costa (alias Meta Malik) said it was not against the law for veterans to get government projects, as there was no law that talked about this.
“I think this, the President is just bringing attention towards veterans who stepped out of line, but take care of yourself and do not damage the name of veterans,” he said.
The Secretary of State said it was not a veteran who was in charge of a project, but an individual, following what they want in life.
He said as Secretary of State he did not recommend that veterans take on projects.
Meanwhile veteran Saturnina Alves da Silva said she had never taken on a government project.
“But some of the veterans have been given projects,” da Silva said.
