(Translation)
Speech by the Chief Executive
the Honourable Edmund Ho
at the Ceremony Marking the Establishment of
the Macau Special Administrative Region
of the People's Republic of China
20th December 1999
Forging Ahead in Unity
Creating New Opportunities
President Jiang Zemin,
Distinguished State Leaders,
Honoured Guests,
Fellow Citizens of Macau, and
Friends,
Today, the twentieth of December 1999, marks the official establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region and the realisation of Mr. Deng Xiaoping's innovative concept of "One Country, Two Systems". This is a great day of rejoicing for each and every member of the Chinese nation, including the 400,000-odd people of Macau whose love for this place is imbued with a strong sense of belonging.
The establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) signifies a new era and new identity for the people of Macau. They will now run their own affairs as masters of their own destiny. This fills me with a tremendous sense of anticipation and honour at a time when I am called upon to serve Macau with a lofty and sacred sense of mission and responsibility. On this joyous occasion, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to our state leaders, headed by President Jiang Zemin, for their guidance and contribution to Macau's smooth transition and to the successful establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region's government. We also wish to thank all our distinguished guests for being with us here today, witnessing and sharing with us this glorious and inspiring historic moment. The success we can see in Macau today is due, in the final analysis, to the achievements of Macau's hard-working population over past generations. The smooth return of Macau to our motherland has also been achieved thanks to the concerted efforts of Macau's people, their love for Macau and for our motherland. I sincerely hope that we shall unite in our commitment and persevere in creating a better, brighter future for all.
The continued stability and prosperity of Macau after the Handover, and the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle will bear a vital influence on the cause of reunification in China. I uphold that it is essential for the MSAR government to implement firmly the Basic Law by carrying out all the policies and measures in accordance with the fundamental principle of "One Country, Two Systems".
The MSAR government is deeply concerned with the current economic and employment situation in Macau. Economic recovery and growth are the key to ensuring a higher level of employment and giving full play to the potential of its workforce. Consequently, one of the most important tasks facing the MSAR government is to remove obstacles to economic progress.
Moreover, we can only expect steady economic growth and prosperity when there is peace and order in the community. The MSAR government is determined and confident that it has the ability and powers to address this issue. I maintain that our crackdown on crime should be raised to the political level. We shall mobilise the whole government and public resources to protect the safety and stability of Macau in accordance with the law and our policies.
History has taught us that a country can achieve continuous progress when it opens up and carries out reforms; indeed it stagnates when it fails to do so. The same holds true for Macau: we must open up and introduce reforms. Macau needs to establish extensive contacts, close co-operation and business relations with other parts of the world, and attract foreign investment, human resources, technology and concepts while carrying out on-going internal improvements and maximising positive local factors, in order to progress and create new opportunities. Inevitably Macau will become more closely bound up with Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. Regular co-ordination of major infrastructure projects at the mouth of the Pearl River is beneficial to Macau's long-term economic prospects.
In fact, Macau could become a logistics base and service centre for the industrial and commercial activities of neighbouring regions. This would create job opportunities and boost the property market by gradually absorbing the many flats and office buildings lying vacant in Macau which in turn would release the huge amount of capital trapped in real estate. Investors could use the money to develop new projects and other industries, or for consumption, thus stimulating Macau's whole economic set-up. Moreover, there is tremendous scope for developing tourism in Macau. The MSAR government will make strenuous efforts to promote distinctive, innovative thematic tourism attractions and programmes that reflect Macau's vivid cultural characteristics. We shall seek to expand source markets, taking advantage of the superior strength of neighbouring regions, while improving the quality of service locally.
The MSAR government will strive, in the spirit of putting people first, to serve the people of Macau whole-heartedly. As the first Chief Executive of the MSAR, I am determined to work relentlessly in establishing, during my term of office, a highly efficient, transparent and accountable public administrative system that genuinely reflects the concept of "Macau people running Macau". The principal officials of the MSAR, who were sworn in just a few hours ago, have a profound understanding and personal knowledge of Macau society. Moreover, they all share a deep sense of mission and commitment, and the enthusiasm and determination to devote themselves to Macau. Patriotic, young and promising, and full of drive, they are capable of effecting vigorous changes and creating bright new prospects for Macau.
At the same time, I have complete confidence in the existing public service, whose quality, on average, is even better than before. I cherish great hopes that these public servants will continue to perform their duties well and serve the MSAR government with loyalty and dedication.
The MSAR government will strive to be open and democratic. We will, through various effective channels of consultation, reach out to the widest possible range of citizens and listen to their views. We shall maintain close contacts and boost communication with the media, increase administrative transparency and subject ourselves to public scrutiny.
After a long separation from the motherland, Macau is now returning with many characteristics and attributes that have not originated in traditional Chinese culture. Macau is home to citizens of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds who have co-existed in harmony, and this very special feature will continue into the new era. Ethnic and social harmony will facilitate various forms of co-operation, economic development, the rule of law, and the fostering of a democratic and progressive society.
By looking to the origins and characteristics of China's ancient civilisation, we shall strengthen our national identity and foster patriotic ideals. Inherent to the policy of "Macau people running Macau" and "a high degree of autonomy", we are duty-bound to combine Macau's interests with those of the State. Our goal is to benefit and achieve prosperity for both China and Macau. This is certainly the demand placed on us by this new era and circumstance. Nevertheless, to promote the ideas and opportunities of the new era, we must keep on learning, innovating and making progress every day.
Macau's greatest advantage has been the strength of unity of its patriotic people, and their diligence, initiative and creativity. I have boundless faith in the future of Macau. I am convinced that the people of Macau will endeavour to create a brighter, better future for themselves. Most importantly, we believe in our beloved country, and we believe in the people of Macau, their fortitude and perseverance.
Distinguished guests, fellow citizens,
At this moment, I share with you great excitement and joy. I also see clearly the heavy tasks that lie ahead. Macau's prosperity depends on our country's care and support, and the concerted efforts of the MSAR government and citizens, as well as the concern and help of our friends from around the world. I shall, as always, do my utmost to attain our goal. Together with our 400,000-odd fellow citizens we shall work together to greet and embrace the new century and the new millennium. Together we shall build a Macau that can enjoy continued progress and prosperity and offer every citizen a fulfilling and happy life.
I invite you to join me in wishing our great motherland thriving prosperity!
I invite you to join me in wishing our beloved Macau a bright and successful future!
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