Commentary by Gang Ao Ping
On November 6, the courts of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) handed down a lawful verdict on Au Kam San for crimes endangering national security.
This fully demonstrates the Macao SAR’s firm resolve to safeguard national security, highlights the robust efficacy of Macao’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms for national security, and serves as a reminder to remain mindful of potential dangers in times of peace, maintain constant vigilance against national security risks, and continually fortify the barrier protecting Macao’s prosperity and stability.
The verdict of the Macao SAR court powerfully declares that national security is an uncrossable red line. Under the guise of so-called "democracy" and "freedom", Au Kam San long colluded with external forces to engage in anti-China and destabilising activities in Macao, severely endangering national security and inflicting grave harm on Macao’s prosperity and stability—crimes that are clear and undeniable. The MSAR court lawfully convicted Au Kam San of "subversion of State power", "establishing contact with organisations, groups, or individuals outside the Macao Special Administrative Region to perform acts endangering national security", and "violation of confidentiality obligations", sentencing him to twelve years and six months’ imprisonment. This judgment forcefully defends the authority of the rule of law and sends a clear, unambiguous message: anyone or any organisation, regardless of the pretexts they employ or the backing they possess, will face strict legal punishment if they dare to commit acts or activities that endanger national security.
The Macao SAR has consistently attached high importance to, and conscientiously fulfilled, its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security. In 2009, implementing the provisions of Article 23 of the Macao Basic Law, it enacted and implemented the Law on Safeguarding National Security. In 2016, in accordance with the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress’s interpretation of Article 104 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, Macao proactively amended its Legislative Assembly Election Law, making it explicit that candidates must uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, thereby implementing the principle of "patriots administering Macao". In 2018, it established the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao SAR, chaired by the Chief Executive. In 2023, in line with the holistic approach to national security, it revised the Law on Safeguarding National Security, further improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for national security. As the first case brought under Macao's national security legislation since its enactment and implementation, the investigation, trial, and verdict of Au Kam San's case mark the effective implementation of Macao’s national security legal system and enforcement mechanisms, reflecting the Macao SAR's firm, consistent, and unremitting efforts to safeguard national security.
The overall social situation in Macao is currently stable. However, we must remain clear-headed: elements attempting to destabilise Macao and external hostile forces have never abandoned their plotting to disrupt Macao. Through various so-called reports and bills, they fabricate and spread false narratives, straining to defame Macao’s rule of law and human rights situation, while distorting and smearing the practice of "one country, two systems". During the trial of Au Kam San's case, they pointed fingers and openly interfered. This exposes the true nature of Au Kam San’s collusion with external forces, confirms the irrefutable nature of his crimes, and reminds people that Macao is by no means free from peril. Only by enhancing our awareness of potential risks, adhering to bottom-line thinking, and resolutely punishing acts and activities that endanger national security can we effectively prevent and resolve risks, ensuring the steady and sustained implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" practice.
We firmly believe that the Macao SAR will undoubtedly adhere to coordinating development and security, fully and accurately implement laws on safeguarding national security, guide high-quality development with high-level security, and write a new chapter in the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics, making even greater contributions to building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation!
- Source: Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO)
Editor’s Note:The translation of the unabridged statement from Chinese was arranged, reviewed and edited by The Macau Post Daily.
