Jakarta – Reminiscent of the Snow White tale, the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) Friday presented House of Representatives lawmakers with mirrors that will speak only the truth.

ICW political corruption division researcher Abdullah Dahlan said he hoped the gift would allow the lawmakers to reflect on themselves and their poor performance during their five years in office.

"I think mirrors, rather than gold rings, are better and more suitable for the legislators," Abdullah said, referring to the rewards House Speaker Agung Laksono has promised to all 500 lawmakers who will complete their term on Sept. 30.

Abdullah said the ICW deemed the legislators did not deserve the rings, which will reportedly cost the state Rp 5 billion (US$495,000).

"So many of them are involved in graft cases and sex scandals. It would be better for the House to allocate the budget to something more important, such as acceleration of the Corruption Court bill deliberation," he said.

The latest Transparency International survey found the House retained its billing as the most corrupt state institution. (hdt)