Ho: AL facing ‘multiple challenges’

The Legislative Assembly’s (AL) president, Ho Iat Seng (pictured), said yesterday that the parliament’s projects have been facing “multiple challenges.” “The constant social changes, together with historical issues inherited from the past and other problems, have contributed to the appearance of numerous interests and demands. As a result, the Legislative Assembly is facing more complex tasks,” the president said at yesterday’s Spring Festival lunch, organized by the AL for the local press. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Ho criticized some local public departments, commenting that some officials did not know how to apply the law. He also said that the government is taking too long to amend its proposals if the AL’s committees oppose them. Hence, the 10 draft laws currently under discussion may not be approved before the summer.

‘Pop-up Canada’ event to boost Macau interest

The Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong is hosting the first “Pop-Up Canada! in Macao” event at the Grand Lapa Macau hotel between February 22 and 24. The event, modeled after the successful pop-up store concept sweeping many countries, will give the Consulate General a greater presence in Macau and offer the public the chance to take part in several events and seminars on Canada. The seminars will include talks on studying in the country, immigration to Canada, and Canadian tourism, trade and investment. The information booth will be open to interested parties on all three dates, while the seminars will be held on Tuesday, February 23.

Zika to be recognized as infectious disease

The inclusion of Zika on the official list of infectious diseases was approved yesterday at the Legislative Assembly following the outbreak of two cases in mainland China. The Health Bureau has now enacted a serious of preventative measures, including the suspension of the acceptance of blood donations from persons who have visited affected territories, unless the persons have been back in Macau and symptom-free for more than 28 days. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, said that authorities must prepare for the occurence of imported cases of Zika in the region.