Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng has highlighted President Xi Jinping’s “strategic vision” that he expressed in the “very important” speeches during his three-day working visit last month for the 20th anniversary celebrations of Macau’s return to the motherland.
Ho also expressed his deep appreciation for Xi’s “four expectations” about Macau’s future development in his New Year’s message, which was released by the Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS) yesterday.
In a speech at the Macau East Asian Games Dome in Cotai on December 20, when Ho and other principal officials of the fifth-term government of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) were sworn in by Xi, the president presented his “four expectations” for Macau: firstly, the MSAR should keep abreast of the times and further elevate its governance level; secondly, the MSAR should break new ground and innovate to better realise its sustained and sound economic development; thirdly, the MSAR should continue to put the people first and better safeguard and improve their well-being; and, fourthly, the MSAR should persist in an inclusive approach and further promote social harmony and stability.
Ho said that Macau people felt deeply honoured by Xi’s visit. The new chief executive also underlined Macau’s “strong support” by the central government in the past two decades which enabled the MSAR to ensure the successful practice of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle with Macau characteristics.
The 62-year-old former businessman and ex-president of the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL) also stressed Macau’s fast economic development and gradually improved living conditions since 1999, as well as the continuation of social harmony and stability in Macau.
Ho also said that Macau’s successful development in the past 20 years proved the “scientific value and great vitality” of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
Ho, a former member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), also pointed out that 2020 does not only mark the beginning of the fifth-term local government but also the third decade of the existence of the MSAR.
Opportunities & challenges
The chief executive cautioned that while Macau could expect great development opportunities this year, it should also be ready to face “all types of challenges”. However, he was quick to add that Macau people must never fear the difficulties that could emerge. He also pledged that his government will strictly comply with the national Constitution and the Macau Basic Law and always follow the political guidelines enshrined in the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
Ho also promised that his government will firmly defend the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests. He also promised that his governance will always be based on integrity, innovation and pragmatism.
The MSAR’s third chief executive – after Edmund Ho Hau Wah and Fernando Chui Sai On – also reaffirmed his determination to reform the public administration and push ahead with the “adequate diversification” of the local economy. He also underlined the importance of raising the “national consciousness” of young people to ensure that they love their country and Macau.
Ho also stressed the significance of Macau’s integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) conurbation project and ever closer cooperation with Guangdong and Zhuhai, and with Hengqin Island in particular.
Ho also said the ultimate aim of the MSAR’s development drive was to “build a prosperous and diversified Macau, based on the successful practice of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng speaks to reporters at Macau Tower on December 20 after an official reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MSAR establishment. Photo: GCS
