The Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, today emphasised the unwavering determination of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government to adhere to the fundamental principle of “patriots governing Macao”, in order to maintain Macao’s long-term stability and prosperity.
In a briefing held in Macao to share information on policies and aspirations outlined in the “Two Sessions” in Beijing, Mr Ho stated the Macao SAR Government would understand and implement accurately the principle of “One country, two systems”, and resolutely safeguard the authority of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, and the Basic Law of Macao.
The Chief Executive called on Government officials to pay close attention to the aspirations set out in the ‘Two Sessions’, and be steadfast respectively in the implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle, “Macao people governing Macao”, and the enjoyment of a high degree of autonomy. Adherence to these principles would help Macao in advancing its work, Mr Ho added.
During the briefing session, Mr Ho shared with Government officials four points of understanding from the “Two Sessions”, the recently-concluded meetings in Beijing of respectively the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
The first point outlined by the Chief Executive was: the need for unswerving effort to ensure “patriots governing Macao” was cemented as the social and political foundation of the city. This would ensure the steady progress in Macao of the “One country, two systems” principle.
The elections in Macao must be held in line with the political principle and standard of having patriots at core, Mr Ho said. The Legislative Assembly Election, set for 12 September, should be held in a law-based, fair, just, open, and clean manner, while making sure the "One country, two systems" principle was steadfastly applied in Macao without being bent or distorted.
In addition, the Government would firmly adhere to the “holistic view of national security”, devoting continued effort to staying highly vigilant and fortifying comprehensively the work relating to safeguarding national security, Mr Ho said.
The second point shared with officials by the Chief Executive was: the need for unrelenting epidemic-control effort and the boosting of social and economic recovery. The Government would step up its epidemic-control effort, to ensure such work was carried out scientifically, including ensuring an adequate supply of vaccines.
Meanwhile, the Government would dedicate further effort to enhancing people’s livelihoods, taking an active approach to easing employment and financial concerns experienced by locals.
The third point mentioned by Mr Ho was: the need for Macao proactively to align with the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan, in order to engage further in the national development effort. Macao’s second Five-Year Development Plan would be formulated with a view to Macao’s practical situation, and in line with national strategies. Macao would spare no effort in seizing development opportunities presented by the country, complementing Macao’s respective advantages with those of the mainland, and advancing – in a coordinated way – development mechanisms. Such steps would help Macao further in contributing to the country’s opening up effort, and the development of a modern economy.
The fourth point outlined by Mr Ho was: the need to seize opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone planned in Hengqin, with an aim to expedite Macao’s effort regarding economic diversification. The Government would act in line with the Central Government’s planning, and work closely with the Guangdong Government and Zhuhai Government in advancing the major planning, major policies and major projects planned for the Intensive Cooperation Zone.
Healthcare services, financial services, new and high-technology industries, and cultural industries would be Macao’s focal points for advancing its economic diversification effort. Macao would strive to enrich its offerings as a world centre of tourism and leisure, and as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. This was in addition to Macao realising its strategic positioning as a multicultural exchange and cooperation base, with an emphasis on Chinese culture.
Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah, also delivered a speech at today’s briefing session. Mr Ho said Macao should make further effort in order to integrate itself with respectively, national development, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; in particular, there would be favourable news issued in the near future concerning development of the Intensive Cooperation Zone.
Vice Chairman Ho called on people from across the community to contribute to a fair and clean Legislative Assembly Election, on the basis of complying with epidemic-control measures and demonstrating the strength locally of national patriotism. He also mentioned this year would mark the centennial of the Communist Party of China: its history and its governing philosophy could be part of patriotic education in Macao.
The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Fu Ziying, said in his speech, that the Macao public should be steadfast respectively in: placing their confidence in the bright future of the country and of Macao; putting forward scientifically the directions and paths for high quality development in Macao; and in fully implementing the fundamental principle of “patriots governing Macao”.
