Member of Parliament (MP) Eduardo Barreto said Members of Parliament who did not participate in the international seminar about Timor-Leste’s bid for ASEAN membership damaged the National Parliament’s image to the rest of the world.
The National Reconstruction Congress of Timor MP said the MPs should have participated in the three-day seminar at Hotel Ramelau at which international specialists gave lectures about Timor-Leste’ sadmittance to ASEAN.
He said he was concerned as the seminar used the name of the Parliament but was attended by only 14 or 15 MPs.
“I think the parliamentary desk should look into this and the next eventthat calls for participation by MPs, the majority should participate at least,” he said.
He said the participation of MPs in the seminar was very important as the final decision about Timor-Leste’ sadmittance to ASEAN would be announced by Parliament.
“We should understand the whole situation, so when we go (to ASEAN), people do not look at us like we don’t know what’s going on,” MP Barreto said.
Member of Commission C (public finance) MP Maria Fernanda Lay said the seminar was very important to provide training to the MPs about Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership.
“We should have knowledge so when the parliament makes the decision, we know if we can adhere or not,” MP Lay said
She said Commission Corganized the international seminar because it was about the economy and finance.
National Parliament Deputy President MP Aderito Hugo said prior to the seminar, an announcement was made inviting all MPs to participate.
