Venidora Oliveira – MPs have approved more than $17 million for the National Parliament's 2017 budget at a plenary session.
National MP Arao Noe said it would be allocated towards planned priority programs next year such as the completion of legislation that is still pending and other parliamentary reforms, including administrative functions.
"There are a few weaknesses that should be fixed and synchronized, that are our priority programs for next year," he said.
Meanwhile, the $15 million 2016 parliamentary budget has been executed by 74%, mostly for parliamentary activities and salaries of public servants and supervisors.
Meanwhile, MP Albina Marcal said she hoped that some of the 2017 budget would be allocated to priority programs that had not yet been accomplished this year.
Although there had been plans to build a new office for the National Parliament and repair a separate office for public servants and kitchen this year, Marcal said construction had not yet started.
"The National Parliament is sovereign entity that should have a proper place," she said.
She also urged the parliament to allocate some funds next year specifically for parliamentary friendship groups, saying it was important to strengthen Timor's relationship with other countries.
In addition, she called for a designated area to be set aside for drivers of members of parliament.