The Commission on the Defence of National Security of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) said in a statement yesterday that it held its second plenary session of this year.
Yesterday’s closed-door meeting, which was headed by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, was held at Government Headquarters. Ho is the commission’s president.
According to the statement, Ho praised the “timely” enactment of Hong Kong’s national security law by the central government, adding that the new law was already playing an active role in defending the country’s security and promoting social stability in Hong Kong.
The statement also quoted Ho as saying that the nation’s internal and external security situation is undergoing constant changes. The chief executive also said that Macau’s defence of national security has achieved stability and progress, based on the objective to ensure civil society’s harmony and stability, “something that’s not easy” to achieve. He also underlined the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ho also pointed out that the world is undergoing great changes that have been unprecedented in the past 100 years. The chief executive also called for more efforts to promote local people’s patriotism and to “firmly defend” national security and stability in the MSAR.
Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak, who is the commission’s vice-president, Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon and Judiciary Police (PJ) Director Sit Chong Meng – both in their respective capacities as members of the commission – also addressed yesterday’s session.
According to the statement, Ho wrapped up the session by mentioning certain security risks, challenges and “sensitive issues” that are effecting Macau’s overall security situation and governance. Ho also called for the strict implementation of the national security instructions given by senior officials of the central government such as Vice Prime Minister Han Zheng, who heads the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng (centre) presides over yesterday’s plenary session of the Commission on the Defence of National Security of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) at Government Headquarters, flanked by Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak (right) and Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon. Photo: GCS
