The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, has called on the residents of Macao to embrace innovation, take responsibilities and work with the Government to steer Macao towards becoming a harmonious society. Presenting the 2007 Policy Address in the Legislative Assembly today, Mr Ho said the Government would continue to enhance the quality of life and adaptability of the residents during Macao's evolution. As the gaming industry continued to grow, the Chief Executive emphasised that this was only part of the city's tourism industry, and it was not Macao's vision to become a mere gaming centre in the region. He pointed out that the Government would provide more incentives to promote the co-ordinated and healthy development of the gaming industry and other sectors. The Government would continue to listen to opinions on the development of the gaming industry by setting up a consultative panel consisting of representatives from different sectors. On the other hand, Mr Ho highlighted the Government's concern about the disparity between the rich and the poor, saying that the consolidation of the social welfare and social security system would be one of the priorities of the Government in next year. One of the measures would be the introduction of a minimum wage scheme for those employed by contractors to provide cleansing or security guard services to Government institutions. Regarding the reforms on legal and public administration, the Chief Executive said that the Government would propose a cross-year work plan to the public in the first half of next year to accelerate their progress. Meanwhile, a comprehensive accountability system for public servants would be established to strengthen their sense of responsibility. The Government would also restructure its existing consultation system and enhance the transparency of the decision-making process of its policies. In view of the shortage in human resources, the Government would continue to promote the training of labour, and step up introduction of bills regulating the protection of local labour's rights and the introduction of imported labour. Furthermore, the Government would consider establishing a special-purpose department to address the shortage. To enhance the transportation system in the city, the Government would step up the introduction of the light rail rapid transit system and the construction of a cross harbour tunnel. On the political system, Mr Ho announced that the Government would complete the drafting of the methods for selecting the third Chief Executive and the forming of the Fourth Term Legislative Assembly in next year, submitting the proposals to the Legislative Assembly in 2008. The Government would also propose a bill to the Legislative Assembly for the increase of civil servants’ salaries by 4.76%, raising the salary reference point from 52.5 patacas to 55 patacas. Moreover, tentative cuts or suspension on salaries tax, business tax, property tax and other social welfare measures would continue, to benefit the public. The Chief Executive will meet legislators in the Assembly tomorrow to answer questions on his Policy Address.
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