The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, left today for Beijing to report to state leaders on the government's performance in the past year and the policy blueprint for the coming year. Before his departure, Mr Chui told the media at Macao International airport that he would talk about the strategies in boosting economic development and improving people's livelihood to state leaders on this duty visit. He said that considering the complex international financial crisis, the government in the next year will implement preventive measures to cope with difficulties. Mr Chui highlighted that the government would speed up efforts to build Macao as the world's tourism and leisure centre, advancing Macao as the business service platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries in accordance with China's 12th Five-Year Plan. The government would continue to diversify Macao's economy through regional co-operation. When the media asked him about constitutional development, Mr Chui responded that more than 100 submissions were received during the consultation period over the past two years. According to the formal procedures, the government has written to the National People's Congress and would listen to the NPC Standing Committee's suggestion on modification after the Committee had its meeting. Regarding to the constitutional development which led to the recent discussion, Mr Chui emphasised two points: First, Macao's Basic Law is different from Hong Kong's Basic Law. This is the first time Macao had asked the NPC Standing Committee for interpretation after the SAR Government establishment in 12 years. The government must strictly abide by the NPC Standing Committee and in accordance with procedures laid down. Second, the Central Government has the right to start and to make determination in the whole process, said Mr Chui. Yet, he stressed that the government will take the mainstream view of the Macao residents as the basis to move forward with constitutional development. While Mr Chui is away, the Secretary for Economic and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, is acting Chief Executive.
