The Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) guarantees a number of rights for the people of the Macao SAR and a “high degree of autonomy” for the city. The year 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR, making especially topical the exhibits in the Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law. Visitors to the gallery can learn more about the legal aspects of Macao’s return to China.

The Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law features a number of artefacts. Their display seeks to promote a better understanding of the process of Macao’s return to the motherland. Additionally there is information on: the negotiation process between the governments of the People’s Republic of China and the Portuguese Republic; the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Question of Macao; the process of drafting work and consultation relating to the Basic Law; and the law’s implementation since 20 December 1999.

The Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law features a number of artefacts. Their display seeks to promote a better understanding of the process of Macao’s return to the motherland. Additionally there is information on: the negotiation process between the governments of the People’s Republic of China and the Portuguese Republic; the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Question of Macao; the process of drafting work and consultation relating to the Basic Law; and the law’s implementation since 20 December 1999.

On display is a copy of a report on a public consultation process – conducted in 1992 by the Consultative Committee for the Basic Law of Macao – regarding a draft proposal for the Basic Law of Macao.

This picture shows a stamp and a seal embossing tool used for documents produced by the Consultative Committee for the Basic Law of Macao.

The Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law has a time capsule containing a written record of some wishes and aspirations expressed by members of the Macao public ahead of the 1999 return of the city to the motherland.

The Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law has a time capsule containing a written record of some wishes and aspirations expressed by members of the Macao public ahead of the 1999 return of the city to the motherland.

Since Macao’s return to the motherland, the community has been devoting the utmost effort to promoting the Basic Law of Macao. In the picture can be seen a copy of a letter from the Central Government regarding the appointment in 2004 of Mr Lei Pui Lam as a member of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

One of the exhibition zones of the Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law illustrates that the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China – being the fundamental law of the country – provides the juridical foundation for the establishment of SARs.

December’s 20th anniversary marks a major milestone for the Macao SAR. Those visiting the Commemorative Gallery of the Macao Basic Law at this key period will gain fresh insight into the Macao public’s devotion to the country and to the city.