Member of Parliament MP JosefaAlvares Pereira demanded to know from the Ministry of Justice what happened to the ID card printing machine because since last she heard the machine was broken.
The MP said the machine has been broken for more than one year so people have not been issued identification cards (ID) since.
She asked whether in 2014 the machine will be fixed or replaced because ID’s are important as they identity who are the citizens of Timor-Leste.
“It will contain the place and date of birth, it helps with mobility so they can go anywhere they like,” said MP Pereira.
In response to this issue, the Minister of Justice, DeonisioBaboSoares said funds to fix the OD printing machine have been factored into the ministry’s 2014 State Budget.
He acknowledged many people don’t have an ID card.
“We will issue again the new identity card this year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nino Belo, a Dili resident said the ID card as well as other identification are important and is aware the machine is broken.
“But the government needs to raise awareness as well about the ID card and what it is.”
