The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government expresses its firm support and backing for the adoption, approved by the National People’s Congress (NPC), of amendments regarding Annexes I and II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR.

The Standing Committee of the NPC passed on Tuesday (30 March) bills to amend Annex I to the Basic Law, regarding the method for the selection of the chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR, and Annex II to the Basic Law, on the method for the formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong SAR and its voting procedures.

Annex I and Annex II regulate in the respective Basic Law of both SARs the methods to select that SAR’s chief executive and the members of its legislative bodies, i.e., significant components of each SAR’s political system.

Amendments by the NPC on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR are a major move to implement comprehensively the fundamental principle of patriots governing the SARs, and also a concrete step for the central authorities to exercise their powers and responsibilities vested by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, in a bid further to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintain Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity.

Since Macao’s return to the motherland, the Macao SAR’s Government, and people from all walks of life in Macao, have implemented comprehensively and accurately the principles of “One country, two systems” and “Macao people governing Macao” with a high degree of autonomy. The Macao SAR has acted in line with the Constitution and the Basic Law of Macao, while constantly optimising local regulations in relation to the two legal documents. These efforts complement the maintenance of “Macao people governing Macao”, with patriots as a mainstay.

Later in the year, Macao will hold its seventh Legislative Assembly Election. The Macao SAR Government will join hands with the community to ensure the election takes place safely and smoothly.

Looking ahead, the Macao SAR is steadfast in: its confidence in the “One country, two systems” principle; in precisely implementing the directions outlined under the “One country, two systems” principle; in optimising the responsibilities and duties for Macao projected under the “One country, two systems” principle; and in cementing the political basis for the “One country, two systems” principle. These together will contribute to the steady progress of the “One country, two systems” principle with Macao characteristics, and to the realisation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.