Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng stressed yesterday the unwavering determination of the local government to adhere to the fundamental principle of “patriots governing Macau”, in order to maintain the long-term stability and prosperity of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR), according to a statement by the Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS).
In a briefing held at the headquarters of the Central People’s Government Liaison Office in Zape to share information on policies and aspirations outlined in the “two sessions” held in Beijing recently, Ho said that the MSAR government would understand and implement accurately the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, and resolutely safeguard the legal authority of the nation’s Constitution and the MSAR Basic Law.
Ho called on government officials to pay close attention to the aspirations set out in the ‘two sessions’, and be steadfast in implementing the principles of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Macau people governing Macau”, and Macau’s high degree of autonomy. Adherence to these principles would help Macau to achieve progress, Ho added.
4 points of understanding
During the briefing, the chief executive shared with officials four points of understanding from the “two sessions”, the recently-concluded meetings in Beijing of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) respectively.
The first point outlined by Ho is the need for unswerving efforts to ensure that the principle of “patriots governing Macau” is cemented as the MSAR’s social and political foundation. This would ensure the steady progress of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in Macau, Ho said.
Macau’s elections must be held in line with the political principle and standard of having patriots at the core, Ho said. The Legislative Assembly elections, slated for 12 September, shall be held in a law-based, fair, just, open, and clean manner, while making sure that the “One Country, Two Systems” principle is steadfastly being applied in Macau without being bent or distorted, the chief executive underlined.
Moreover, the government will firmly adhere to the “holistic view of national security”, devoting continued effort to staying highly vigilant and fortifying comprehensively all the work safeguarding national security, Ho said.
Ho’s second point is the need for unrelenting COVID-19-control efforts and the promotion of social and economic recovery. The government will step up its novel coronavirus control efforts, to ensure that the fight against the virus is being carried out scientifically, including ensuring an adequate supply of vaccines, according to Ho.
Meanwhile, the government will dedicate further efforts to enhancing people’s livelihoods, taking an active approach towards easing employment and financial concerns experienced by local residents, Ho pledged.
Ho’s third point is the need for Macau to proactively align itself with the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan, in order to engage further in the national development effort. Macau’s second Five-Year Development Plan will be formulated with a view to Macau’s practical situation, and in line with national strategies, Ho stressed. Ho also said that Macau will spare no effort in seizing development opportunities presented by the country, complementing Macau’s respective advantages with those of the mainland, and advancing – in a coordinated way – development mechanisms.
Such steps would help Macau contribute even more to the country’s opening-up effort, and the development of a modern economy, the chief executive said.
The fourth point outlined by Ho is the need to seize opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Macau Intensive Cooperation Zone planned on Hengqin, with an aim to expedite Macau’s effort regarding economic diversification. The government will act in line with the central government’s planning, and work closely with the Guangdong and Zhuhai governments in advancing the major planning, major policies and major projects planned for the zone, Ho said.
Healthcare services, financial services, new and high-technology industries, and cultural industries will be Macau’s focal points for advancing its economic diversification effort, Ho said, adding that Macau would strive to further strengthen its role as a world centre of tourism and leisure, and as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, apart from Macau realising its strategic positioning as a multicultural exchange and cooperation base, with a special emphasis on Chinese culture, Ho said.
CPPCC National Committee Vice-Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah and Liaison Office Director Fu Ziying also addressed the briefing. Both stressed the importance of patriotic education and principle of “patriots governing Macau.”
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng addresses yesterday’s briefing about the recent “two sessions”, at the Liaison Office headquarters in Zape. Photo: GCS
