The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, hosts a dinner reception for representatives of Chinese-language local news organisations.
The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, today called on local Chinese-language media in Macao to utilise further their credibility and influence to promote to the global community the significant achievements of Macao’s successful practise of the “One country, two systems” principle, and its inherent values of peace, inclusiveness, openness, and sharing.
Speaking at a dinner reception with representatives of Chinese-language local news organisations, Mr Sam said he hoped the local media would share with the world the compelling stories concerning China and Macao, and show to outsiders that the “One country, two systems” principle is viable and achievable as a framework, and can bring substantial benefits to humanity.
In his speech, Mr Sam pointed out that the past year marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, as well as the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. President Xi Jinping’s presence in Macao to attend the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), and his inspection of the MSAR, demonstrated President Xi’s deep affection and care for Macao, as well as his constant concern for the well-being of local residents.
President Xi described Macao as a pearl in the palm of the motherland, saying Macao’s development and the well-being of Macao residents have always been in his mind, noted Mr Sam. President Xi’s remarks made Macao people feel warmth, and gave an immense sense of encouragement, said the Chief Executive.
Over the past 25 years, the motherland has remained the most solid support for Macao’s prosperity and stability, consistently providing Macao with the greatest opportunities for development, stated Mr Sam.
The media are a crucial observer, participant, and communicator of the MSAR’s development, said Mr Sam. They have been attentive to, and followed up on, the various activities and work of the MSAR Government. They have disseminated information extensively in diversified formats through various platforms, assisting the MSAR Government in its communication efforts. On behalf of the MSAR Government, Mr Sam expressed sincere gratitude to the media.
The Chief Executive said the media serve as a bridge between the Government and the public, playing crucial roles in overseeing the Government’s administration, reflecting public demands, distinguishing right from wrong, cultivating social consensus, and promoting social harmony and stability. Through their accurate and timely reporting, the media reflect public sentiment, making governance more in line with the thoughts and aspirations of the Macao public. This, in turn, fosters better understanding and support among the public regarding the Government’s work, and promotes a healthy interaction between the Government and the public.
The MSAR Government looked forward to working hand in hand with the media, with each party fulfilling their own responsibilities and duties diligently, in order to perform their roles effectively, said Mr Sam.
Press freedom is fully guaranteed under the MSAR Basic Law and the Press Law, noted the Chief Executive. The MSAR Government will, as always, adhere to law-based governance, supporting the media in enhancing their professional standards and innovating in terms of their skills. The Government will also enhance coordination and communication between departments and the media, actively providing news information, and offering more assistance for interviews and reporting, he added.
The Chief Executive additionally noted that the sixth-term MSAR Government has been in office for 26 days, and that all departments have been advancing various tasks, following a promising start.
During the course of this new year, the Government would bear in mind the series of important speeches and instructions made by President Xi during his inspection of Macao; adhere to the philosophy of “Striving Together, Upholding Integrity and Innovation”; better leverage the advantages of the “One country, two systems” principle; promote appropriate economic diversification; improve administrative efficiency; and build higher-level platforms for opening up to the world, as well as maintaining social harmony and stability.
Further efforts would be dedicated to addressing long-standing issues in society, ensuring the improvement of the livelihoods of Macao residents, and ensuring that Macao advances steadily on the solid foundation of “One country, two systems”. The Government is committed to realising the four visions of “Law-based Macao”, “Vibrant Macao”, “Cultural Macao”, and “Blissful Macao”, and will not disappoint in relation to President Xi's care and high expectations for the MSAR, said Mr Sam.
