Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, meets the press.
The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Government strictly complies with the principles of rule of law and with the need to behave with integrity; and would seek to prevent any possible conflict of interest. Mr Chui added he set the highest possible standards for his own conduct when performing his duties as Chief Executive. Preventing any possible conflict of interest was what any Macao Chief Executive was required to do and on occasion might need to do, he stressed. His comments were made following some public debate relating to a decision by the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau to award to a local association some work to produce teaching materials for primary education. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (12 April), Mr Chui said the award of such work was within the Bureau’s power, but it required the Chief Executive’s approval because payment for the work spanned more than one financial year. He added the Chief Executive’s endorsement was obtained in accordance with the requirements of the public administration’s financial management system. Asked by reporters about the recent appointment of his brother as a member of the Public Prosecutions Magistrates’ Commission, Mr Chui said he had not intervened in the process. An independent committee is responsible for proposing candidates to the Public Prosecutions Magistrates’ Commission, he added. The Chief Executive also commented on the Home-Ownership Scheme. He said the Government was stepping up efforts to increase its reserves of land; accelerating reclamation work; and not extending or renewing land concessions in cases where the land had not been developed within the time allowed. Transportation and housing were important issues for the Government, Mr Chui said, adding it would consider all appropriate ways of ensuring that public housing was distributed fairly.