Chui Sai On confirms changes to gov’t team for his next term

Macau’s Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, has confirmed changes to his team of secretaries when the new government takes office in late December. He did not disclose, however, any of the new names that will join the team.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony marking China’s National Day on Wednesday, Chui Sai On revealed that he has not yet gathered all of the secretaries’ for the new team taking office following his re-election in August. “Since the final list will be available only when it’s announced, I am sorry but I cannot disclose [any names] at this stage. [Given] the entire list of the 4th government, if you ask me regarding changes, all I can frankly say is that there will be changes,” he confirmed.
The Chief Executive hinted that he started working on gathering names for his new team after receiving the nomination decree from Beijing. Chui also hinted that he is still pondering  the matter, and secretaries’ names will only be announced when a concrete decision has been made.
When presenting his political platform in July, Chui said that Macau people could expect “a relatively radical change” in his team of secretaries. He added that the team would remain with five secretaries.
On Wednesday, Macau government officials gathered for the usual flag raising ceremony and reception to commemorate China’s National Day. The Chief Executive vowed that Macau would enjoy development opportunities, while attending to citizens’ needs.
In his speech, Chui Sai On praised China’s development and progress. He added that the people of Macau “are highly encouraged by the development of the motherland,” while the reform and development of the People’s Republic of China has become the support and driving force for Macau’s stable growth.
He highlighted plans to develop Macau and tackle major issues deeply affecting the lives of Macau citizens, such as housing, transport, social security, and healthcare. He said they hope to launch short-term policies that could help resolve these issues, while long-term mechanisms will also be established to secure the people’s well being.
“My team and I are intensively researching.  We aim to increase efforts to solve the housing problems which the public is most concerned about, as well as the short-term policies for traffic, the social security fund and medical issues.  We are also trying to formulate a long-term effective protection mechanism,” he said.
Chui Sai On stressed that the government would comprehensively study and make decisions on the development of the gaming industry, taking the opportunity to soon launch discussions on revising current gaming concessions in order to strengthen the industry. At the same time, he said the government will work towards creating proper conditions for the development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
The government is looking to enhance its participation in the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement, developing closer cooperation with the mainland, and achieving mutual goals and benefits, prioritizing the cooperation with Guangdong.
A solemn flag-raising ceremony was held at Golden Lotus Square at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
Over 200 officials and guests attended the ceremony, including the director of the Liaison Office of the Central government in the MSAR, Mr Li Gang, as well as the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue, among many others.
The ceremony was followed by the 2014 World Walking Day – National Day Fun Run, which started at the Golden Lotus Square.  CP

Decrease in gaming revenue ‘is healthy’

Macau’s leader has said that the decrease in gaming growth revenue is healthy, as long as tourism services achieve a good quality level. He recalled that Macau saw double-digit growth each year for quite some time. “I think the slowing down stage is a healthy adjustment period. The most important thing is to prepare the quality of services and other tourism accommodating facilities,” he stated, as quoted by TDM News.