The Chief Executive,Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah said in his Policy Address 2005 today that the MSAR Government was devoted to lift the quality of life of the residents Macao. He announced an old age allowance scheme in addition to continue deductions on income tax, property tax and exemption on some other taxes and fees implemented two years ago. Stamp duty on some bank and insurance transactions would also be abolished. Mr Ho said the MSAR Government would step up administrative reforms and intensify the accountability of officials at all grades, as well as gathering and listening to public opinion. The government would also continue the legal reforms, he said, indicating that these would focus on areas that concerned the society concerns the most. The government would also increase the use of Chinese in the judicial area, he said. Mr Ho said the government would formulate a comprehensive and visionary policy for city planning and infrastructure. On economy, he said the government would continue to strengthen the major industries, such as the gaming and the tourism industry. He acknowledged the urgency to deal with the traffic issues and the said the government would step up its study on the viability of a mass transportation programme. The government would continue to take part in regional cooperation, in accordance with the advantages of Macao, he said. “Forging external relations and cooperation is a long term strategy and a pragmatic way of governing,” said Mr Ho. On education, he said that the Government would propel education reforms in order to lay a primary foundation for an advance education system in its second term. He said more regulations will be induced in education in accordance with the freedom of education, thus the two ideas can be balanced and complement each other. Stronger identity of the country and its cultural heritage, independent mind, generally knowledgeable and better managing of foreign languages were some of the qualities Mr Ho expected the reform would bring to students in Macao. Mr. said that the of “One country two systems” and “Macao people ruling Macao” principles, as well as a high degree of autonomy were the major premises for the development of Macao. He said democratic development in the Government would be gradually pushed forward in accordance with the Basic Law and as required by the development of the society. In addition, the Government would promote democracy in different levels of the society, create a larger arena for residents to participate in the consultation for public affairs, thus building a solid foundation for the development of sophisticated democracy. Mr Ho will attend a Questions and Answers session relating to his Policy Address between 3 pm and 6 pm on Thursday (17 November), at the Legislative Assembly to answer members' questions. This is the sixth policy address of Mr Ho and the first one after he was re-elected for a second term in August this year.
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