Central People’s Government Liaison Office in Macau Director Fu Ziying has called for Macau to maintain its strong confidence in the “One Country, Two Systems” principle by “not being confused by external interference”.
Fu made the remarks while delivering a speech during a Spring Festival reception on Friday. The annual reception hosted by the office took place at Macau Tower, with about 1,900 people attending, according to the office, including Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, Macau’s first chief executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah, who is now a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Foreign Ministry Commissioner in Macau Shen Beili, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Macau Garrison Political Commissar Sun Wenju, Legislative Assembly (AL) President Kou Hoi In and Court of Final Appeal (TUI) President Sam Hou Fai, as well as senior local government officials, Executive Council members, lawmakers, foreign consuls accredited to Macau, local community leaders and senior media representatives.
The Chinese New Year is officially known on the mainland as the Spring Festival.
The director of the Liaison Office is the central government’s top representative in the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR). The office started operating on December 20, 1999, coinciding with the establishment of the MSAR.
Fu noted that last year was of special significance for Macau when the election of the fifth-term chief executive and the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland were successfully held, demonstrating to the world the successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle with Macau characteristics.
According to the Macau Post Daily, in his speech, Fu raised four points for Macau to have “a new chapter” for the continued successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle with Macau characteristics.
Firstly, Fu urged Macau to constantly maintain confidence in the “One Country, Two Systems” system. Fu said that Macau’s “enormous” achievements since its return to the motherland have “eloquently” proven that the “One Country, Two Systems” principle meets Macau’s reality and is “fully workable, achievable and winning people’s hearts”.
Fu said that as long as Macau maintains its strong belief in the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and refrains from “being shaken by momentary twists” and from “being confused by external interference”, it can grasp the opportunities and achieve a better development in its integration into the overall national development.
Secondly, Fu urged Macau to safeguard its good situation of prosperity and stability. Fu underlined that Macau has enjoyed the best development in its history since its return to the motherland, adding that “achieving new successes is the best way to consolidate the successes already achieved”. For the future Fu urged Macau to make progress “in line with the times”, namely by promoting the city’s economic diversification and exploring new development advantages.
Thirdly, Fu urged Macau to consolidate its socio-political foundation of “loving the country and loving Macau”. Fu underlined that “loving the country and loving Macau” is the local society’s core value, which he said is also a key factor to the successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in Macau. He also called for Macau to strengthen its patriotic education among young people.
Fourthly, Fu urged Macau to create a social environment with “greater inclusion and openness. He called for Macau to consolidate its existing characteristics and advantages as an international city.
