The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today answered an array of questions -- which ranged from housing, study on renewal of gaming concessions, education, medical system, care for the elderly and accountability -- raised by the 24 legislators at the second of his twice a year visit to the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly. On housing policies, the Chief Executive said the present income limit for public housing has covered 80 per cent of the population, adding that no system can fit everyone's need. He said it was necessary to review the needs of the whole market and to amend the housing laws if there is are requests for the income limit to be scrapped. Mr Chui said that sufficient land is a way to solve housing problems. On the idea of reserving land for Macao people only, the Government would conduct public consultation when the results of these studies are available. At present, 28 plot of granted land are invalid and no development plan has been made for using the five plots of land near the airport. On education, the Chief Executive pledged to invest more to support schools in terms of "software" and "hardware" in the next policy year. Opportunities will be created for people who do not have chances to continue to tertiary education. Moreover, the Government will discuss with all tertiary colleges to cultivate all kind of talents needed in the future. On establishing a better medical system, more medical professionals will be needed when more medical facilities are constructed and start to operate in 2020. The Government has made a short-term, medium-term and long-term plan to train more healthcare personnel and specialists to meet the needs, he said. On policies for the elderly, Mr Chui said Macao had transformed into an old-age society and more services for the elderly are needed. The Government has set up an inter-governmental group to study protection for this group and to make a ten-year plan to safeguard their rights. Mr Chui said that he believed the gaming industry would continue to play an important role in the future of Macao, and "One centre, one platform" is the principle of developing Macao. At present, gaming companies are promoting complex and non-gaming projects to meet with the regional development, and that an adequate diversification of the industry enabled Macao to move forward. He said 2015 would be a suitable time to study the renewal of gaming concessions which the Government granted on 8 February 2002. Mr Chui said the renewal is one of the most important works for the next administration. On the support for the small-and-medium enterprises, the Government has created co-operation opportunities for the local enterprises on the Mainland. He revealed that Macao enterprises would participate in the opening up of Hengqin Island and Nansha Island. Regarding budget for the large-scale public works, Mr Chui said that the Government has started to amend the Budget Framework Law and will plan the budget with caution in the future. On accountability, Mr Chui said that by law all principle officials are under the supervision of Chief Executive. It is necessary to have an accurate understanding of accountability to avoid any damage on social harmony and the implementation of policies. He stressed that the Government is committed to building a service-oriented and responsible government, and to promote the culture of responsibility.
