The First Lady Isabel Ferreira said President Taur Matan Ruak would not accept the life pension available to him once he leaves office on the basis that it could lead to injustice in society.
The First Lady said her husband’s term would end in 2017 and that he had different views about the life pension compared to other leaders.
“President Taur Matan Ruak personally refuses the life pension law as it can lead to injustice in society and he will refuse [to accept] the life pension when his term is complete,” she said when making the couple’s declaration of assets at the Court of Appeal in Dili.
She said the president had disagreed with the life pension law from the beginning and declined to accept any benefits when he resigned from the general commander (Major General) Falintil-Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) in 2011.
“We allocated this money to widows and orphans to pay for their schooling through a foundation that takes care of these people,” she said.
The President believes that as only a few select people benefit from the life pension law, this situation creates division and inequality in society.
She called on MPs to act in good conscience and make a commitment to review the law.
As citizens, she said Timorese must work hard and use modern ways to remind MPs to open their minds and use their conscience to change the law.
“Myself and the NGOs have submitted a proposal and declaration for the removal of the life pension law to National Parliament,” she said.
According to law no. 1/2007 (January 18) and no. 7/2007 (July 25), MPs are entitled to receive a life pension, including the sovereign organ of the state.
Former President Jose Ramos-Horta said he was supportive of the concept, but the eligibility criteria should be made clear.
“I’m not thinking to remove the life pension, because when a public servant has been working for over 40 years and he’s 60 or 65 years old, he has the right to receive a life pension because he already sacrificed and dedicated his life [and] until his death he must have receive this pension,” he said.
Horta also questioned why those working in public office for just four or five years are eligible for a life pension, while those who have been working for 20 years cannot receive a pension until they turn 60.
While he said, the government must determine clearly when people can receive life pension and at what level. For example, depending on whether they have 4, 10, 15 or 20 years of service they could receive 30%, 70%, 50%, 100% accordingly.
Meanwhile, MP Antonio Ximenes Serpa said he agreed with calls to modify the law, but said the decision depended on the National Parliament.
“I agree with altering the law as many people still live in poverty,” he said.
