Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam Chon Weng said on Monday he hoped that the “love the country, love Macau” concept will be one of local people’s “core values”, adding that now was the right time to strengthen teenagers’ understanding of the nation and their city.
The policy secretary made the remarks during Monday’s legislative Q&A session about his portfolio’s 2015 policy guidelines in the legislature’s hemicycle.
When responding to lawmakers’ questions about how the government would the strengthen pupils’ patriotic education, Tam said that there existed a consensus among local education groups that now was the right time to strengthen teenagers’ understanding of the nation’s conditions.
He also said that some members of the government-appointed Education Affairs Council also agreed with the need to strengthen locals’ understanding of the nation’s conditions, adding that the government would do more to let residents know more about national development since the establishment of the New China in 1949 and its achievements over the 30 years since its open-door and reform policies got off the ground.
“There is talk that local teenagers do not understand what is going on in their country or even their city…. thus the government will do more to let our teenagers know more about nation’s conditions … that is what we want to do. Only when our pupils know the achievements of our country will they love it. I hope the “love country, love Macau” concept will be a core value for Macau residents,” Tam said, adding that it was also important to let local teenagers understand the crucial role the nation plays in the development of Macau.
Regarding the overflow of tourists during the festive seasons, the secretary said that the region has the capacity to receive 21 million tourists from mainland China per year. He also said that the 21 million mark is not rigid and depends on local infrastructure. Once infrastructure is improved, that number can be increased.
An important announcement was revealed that the Conde de São Januário Central Hospital will have a new director, with Kuok Cheong U replacing Chan Wai Sin. (macaunews/macaupost)
