Chief Executive (CE) Fernando Chui Sai On said Wednesday that he respects residents’ right to assemble and protest as a way of voicing their opinions, adding that he and his officials listen to the public on a daily basis.
But he also stressed that the public should express their viewpoints in a non-violent, reasonable and lawful manner, adding that public safety was of paramount importance.
He was talking on the sidelines of the US Independence Day reception , when he commented on Sunday’s demonstration calling for Secretary for Administration and Justice Florinda Chan Lai Man to resign, in which police set up human chains to prevent dozens of people from going up Penha Hill after the protest had ended. The standoff ended with the arrests of six people who all have meanwhile been released from police custody after questioning by the Public Prosecution Office (MP). No immediate charges have been filed.
Chan and other principal officials have their official residence on Penha Hill.
“Macau is a city governed by the rule of law… it is important for people to know that they should express their opinions in a peaceful and reasonable manner, where protest organisers should be mindful of the safety of the protesters,” said Chui. “… I once again urge people to stay calm and resolve issues through legal channels if necessary.” (macaunews)
