Dili – An academic and human rights activist has been named East Timor's first anti-corruption commissioner.

Aderito de Jesus was confirmed as Anti-Corruption Commission chief after winning unanimous approval in a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, government spokesman Agio Pereira said yesterday.

He is expected to lead the process of selecting other members to the commission, which has yet to be established.

Corruption has become a burning issue in East Timor, and Mr Pereira congratulated lawmakers for their handling of "such a sensitive decision".

Mr de Jesus heads La'o Hamutuk, a respected non-governmental organisation that monitors the performance of the government and international institutions operating in the fledgling state.

He helped draft East Timor's constitution and is doing a doctorate in international human rights law in Australia.