National security is an important support element for the harmonious development of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) and for the dissemination of multiculturalism in the city, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said at yesterday's opening ceremony of the National Security Education Exhibition 2023.
In view of the current security situation domestically and externally, developing ways to preserve, and pass to the next generations, Macau’s unique approach in terms of governance and cultural affairs was vital to the country’s security and stability, Ho said in his speech, adding that it was also vital in terms of Macau’s social stability, as well as the promotion of the core values of patriotism in Macau. Ho also said that it was a major element in terms of Macau meeting its commitments to pursuing a holistic view of national security.
The National Security Education Exhibition 2023 is being jointly hosted by the local government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR. The opening ceremony was held at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex (aka Forum Macao Complex) in Nam Van.
The chief executive, who chairs the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the MSAR, pointed out in his address that over the past year the local government has firmly adhered to the rule of law, resolutely safeguarded national security, actively implemented the “patriots governing Macau” principle, made steady progress in amending the Law on Safeguarding National Security and fully adhered to a holistic view of national security, as well as joined hands with the community to ensure social stability.
Ho underlined that the Macau government will, as always, respect and safeguard the fundamental principle of the country’s sovereignty, safeguard the constitutional order outlined in the country’s Constitution and the MSAR Basic Law, firmly safeguard the overall jurisdiction of the central authorities, resolutely adhere to the legal and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, implement the “patriots governing Macau” principle, keep expanding local patriots' political power, and stand firm in terms of prevention of, and resistance to, interference and sabotage.
The chief executive went on to say that this year marks the start of the full implementation of the aspirations outlined in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the MSAR Basic Law, he pointed out.
Ho stressed that this edition of the National Security Education Exhibition carries immense significance as it is being held at such a special moment. He said the exhibition would enable members of the public to gain fresh understanding of how a holistic view of national security guided and advanced the security and development of the country and of Macau. In doing so, he said, the exhibition would improve the coordination of efforts concerning Macau's security and development, and also further advance the ongoing efforts to achieve the development of a great country, national rejuvenation, and Macau’s long-term stability.
Ho also said that the submissions for this year’s writing competition and short video competition on the theme of national security had showcased the fact that Macau's young people in Macao have a strong sense of identity as Chinese, and pride in Chinese culture. The submissions also showed their responsibility for safeguarding national cultural security, and their expectations regarding the country’s prosperity and the realisation of national rejuvenation.
Ho pledged that the local government will strengthen its work among young people, helping them better integrate into overall national development, adding that the MSAR government will also enhance young peoples' patriotic education and their awareness of the importance of national security, thereby ensuring that the spirit of patriotism would be passed to their and coming generations.
Liaison Office Director Zheng recalls 20th CPC National Congress
National Security Affairs Adviser of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the MSAR and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR Zheng Xincong also delivered a speech at the ceremony.
Zheng stressed that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and the country’s development interests are the most important elements in the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. He underlined that last October's 20th CPC National Congress specified the need to advance the overall requirements for promoting the modernisation of the national security system and its capabilities, adding that it also emphasised the need to unswervingly implement a holistic view of national security, and to adhere to the concept of national security in all aspects of the CPC’s work, and that of the country.
Zheng pointed out that at the Party's 20th Congress General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that the long-term prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong SAR and of the MSAR are indispensable to the nation's development as a great country.
Zheng called for further efforts to ensure high vigilance in terms of security, describing it as the basis for high-quality development. High-quality development will in turn facilitate high-quality security, Zheng, the most senior central government official posted to Macau, said, adding there should also be constant efforts to foster the MSAR’s system and capabilities for maintenance of national security, thereby advancing the steady and long-term development of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle with Macau characteristics.
Zheng’s speech highlighted the need to keep enhancing the supporting legislation and enforcement mechanisms with regard to national security, in a bid to strengthen the legal guarantees made by the MSAR in terms of safeguarding national security. Efforts should also be made to promote high-quality development, with a view to consolidating the economic foundation for the MSAR’s maintenance of national security; develop and strengthen the power of patriotic forces in Macau, thereby reinforcing the political and social basis for safeguarding national security; and give better play of Macau’s unique cultural advantages, in order to consolidate the basis for safeguarding national security.
Zheng stressed that everyone shares the responsibility of safeguarding national security. He urged members of the public to cherish Macau's prosperity and stability and do their best to maintain it.
About 400 guests attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, including Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Edmund Ho Hau Wah; Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR Sun Xiangyang; and Political Commissar of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Macau Garrison Sun Wenju.
April 15 marks annual National Security Education Day. Yesterday was the country’s eighth edition of the event.
This year’s exhibition features more than 350 still images and a raft of videos, consisting of six sections. These cover the great successes in the country’s development; the progress – in terms of the right path taken, and advances made – in the modernisation of the national security system and its capabilities; the efficient forging ahead – in the face of adversity – of the pursuit of national security and social stability; the progress – in terms of united and unwavering effort – in safeguarding national security; the pragmatic approach of joint development towards striding forward with confidence into the future; and the passing on to the next generation of patriotism, and the effort to advance the role of patriotic forces in Macau.
The exhibition, running until May 15, is being held at the Forum Macao Complex. Members of the public can learn more about the exhibition from its dedicated website https://eesn.gov.mo.
– GCS, MPD
Caption: MSAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng addresses yesterday's opening ceremony of the National Security Education Exhibition at the Forum Macao Complex in Nam Van. - Photo: GCS
