The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, pledged today Macao would make the most of the advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy and inherit good traditions and make innovations. Mr Chui said this as he delivered a speech at a reception at the Macau Tower to celebrate the anniversary of the Macao SAR, soon after he was sworn in as Chief Executive. The Chief Executive said that in the past 10 years, with the strong backing of the Central Government, the Macao SAR Government had earnestly implemented the policy of "One Country, Two Systems", “Macao people governing Macao”, and a high degree of autonomy. ‘This morning, President Hu Jintao delivered a very important speech, the essence of which we will profoundly grasp and thoroughly implement in the practice,’ he said. ‘In retrospect of Macao’s growth, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, as the first-term and second-term Chief Executive of Macao SAR, took up the historic responsibility of opening a new era of "One Country Two Systems" and wrote a new chapter in Macao history together with Macao people. ‘As the pioneer of a new era, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah sized up the then complicated and changeable social and economic situation and carried out his promises in spite of the difficulties. He and his team pulled Macao out of its slump and laid a firm foundation for the future prosperity of Macao’s economy. ‘In the past 10 years, with the comprehensive support from the motherland, the joint efforts of the SAR Government headed by Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and the Macao people, our internal environment has been continuously optimised. ‘At the ceremony this morning, the principal officials of the third-term Macao SAR Government were sworn into office. We will keep our oath, carry out our duties, and serve our motherland and our people whole-heartedly. ‘Macao’s achievements in the past 10 years are obvious to all. Looking to the future, there will be new opportunities as well as new challenges. Based on what we’ve already achieved, we will make the most of the advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, inherit from good traditions and make innovations. ‘We will adhere to people-based governance, and continue to take the improvement of people’s lives as an important goal of economic growth and government reform. Priority will be given to Macao’s fundamental and long-term interests, so that the fruits of social progress and economic development can be shared by Macao citizens. ‘With the support from the people, my team and I have confidence and determination to shoulder the responsibilities. We will take into consideration the overall interests of Macao, implement scientific decision-making, collect people’s opinions widely and be committed to the construction of an efficient and clean government. ‘We will work hand in hand with Macao citizens to build a harmonious society where there is harmony among different groups and communities, where there is inheritance, mutual respect and tolerance,’ Mr Chui said. Guests attending the reception included the former Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR, Mr Lu Shumin, Commander of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in Macao SAR, Major General Wang Yuren, the President of Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va, and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai. In the morning, more than 200 guests attended the flag raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square.
