The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, takes questions from reporters during a press conference on his governance over the past decade.
The Government is devoting utmost effort to responding to the needs of Macao people by advancing the planning of the six long-term mechanisms relating to education, social security, healthcare, housing, talent cultivation and prevention and mitigation of disasters.
The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, made the comments today when asked by reporters about the Government’s work in terms of improving people’s livelihoods. Mr Chui held a press conference at the Government Headquarters to review his governance as Chief Executive over the past ten years.
The public housing projects under construction – together with a reserve number of land plots, and the Government’s overall financial resources – were believed to be sufficient for the community’s needs regarding public housing, Mr Chui said.
A total of 28,000 public housing units was planned in a new urban reclamation area, and another 6,500 units were planned in a public housing project in Avenida Wai Long in Taipa.
A new application round for Home Ownership Scheme units would be launched, Mr Chui disclosed.
During the press conference, Mr Chui was also asked about the Government’s decision to withdraw the "Welfare Package for Designated, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials" and to ask the Legislative Assembly to remove from its discussion agenda certain proposed amendments to the Budget for the Fiscal Year of 2019. The latter suggested allocation of a total of 60 billion patacas to a company to be established to manage a proposed Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) investment and development fund.
Mr Chui stressed the Government had to respect and garner the opinion of the public, facts his experience as Chief Executive had confirmed over the past decade. That the Government had changed its mind over the proposed changes – after hearing public opinion – should not be seen as a negative move; it was a significant step toward balancing interests within society, he stated.
Given that Macao was a diverse society, it was usual to have a range of opinions regarding particular issues. The Government welcomed any opinions and would not shield itself from critiques, he added.
The Chief Executive also mentioned the Government’s experience in proposing amendments to the Road Traffic Law, and in selecting a location to build new cremation facilities.
A responsible Government needed to illustrate its position to members of the public, meanwhile dedicating further effort in its work to garner public opinion, Mr Chui stated.
When asked by reporters, Mr Chui said the rating accorded his administration over the past decade should be decided by the public and would be judged historically over a period of time. He added he had gained valuable experience serving Macao. He noted there were of course shortfalls in the Government’s work; nonetheless improvements after those shortfalls were key to propelling the Government’s progress.
Responding to other questions from the media, Mr Chui shared his insight that one of the most challenging times during his tenure as Chief Executive was when strong storms hit Macao. However, Mr Chui said he had been moved to see the Macao community standing as one to ride out adversity, with the strong support of the Central Government.
Regarding any personal plans after leaving the post as Chief Executive, Mr Chui noted he had been involved in Government work since the establishment of the Macao SAR. He hoped that at the end of his service he could enjoy his life at a slower pace. Any decisions he wished to make after completing his tenure would need to fulfil obligations applicable to former Chief Executives, Mr Chui noted.
He stressed he would continue to pay close attention to the country’s development and Macao’s progress. He was willing to continue to serve – to the best of his capacity – the country and Macao.
In the press conference, Mr Chui also talked about the Government’s work in helping the economy to prosper and in enhancing people’s livelihoods. He also spoke about advancement of the six long-term mechanisms; implementation of the Five-Year Development Plan of the Macao SAR; welfare measures; and details relating to major construction projects.