Ho Iat Seng finds seeing revitalization as jeopardization ‘radical’

In response to opinions fearing revitalization plans will destroy old districts, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng finds these comments “radical,” local media has reported.

On the sidelines of the National Day Reception, the head of the government was asked whether he was satisfied with the proposals on old district revitalization presented by the six casino operators. He said he was satisfied, adding he was aware that each operator has a team focusing on non-gambling operations.

At the same event, he was also asked about his views on social opinions that fear revitalization projects may ultimately become jeopardization projects, which might damage or even destroy existing qualities or elements.

Ho strongly objected to these opinions, according to local media All About Macau, describing them as “radical.” He was cited as suspecting the press of having heard “radical narratives,” while the government sees these projects as revitalization.

He said the government is not demanding casino operators overhaul these districts. On the contrary, they are called to attract new leases or retain existing ones, so as to achieve revitalization.

On the matter of residency of Portuguese people in Macau, Ho said Macau and Lisbon have different views on eligibility, and “communications” are ongoing.

He said working visas for Portuguese people are unchanged.

Ho said a new law was enacted last year, facilitating the change in eligibility. The core point of discussion is whether all Portuguese people should receive a Macau ID immediately upon arriving in Macau for work and get permanent residency seven years after arrival, he was cited as saying by All About Macau.

Cash handout level retained; civil servant pay rise planned

All social welfare – including the cash handout – will remain unchanged next year, while civil servants will see a pay raise from Jan. 1 next year, Ho has disclosed.

The level of the cash handout will remain at MOP10,000.

He said the level of the pay raise for civil servants has not been determined yet, as he was awaiting the report from the civil servant salary review entity.

On the Northbound Travel for Macau Vehicles scheme, the head of the government said discussions are needed with Guangdong Province before making any changes.

With this said, although he has heard suggestions from society, he does not have the authority to implement any of them at his discretion.

On the economy, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong said the city’s casinos had attracted about MOP130 billion of gross gambling revenue (GGR) in the first nine months of the year. He hoped that all walks of life can work together to achieve more in the next three months.

Regarding international tourists, both Ho and Lei said casino operators should do more, adding that lack of flights is the core challenge.

Casinos will get a maximum of 5% tax waiver should they attract enough foreign tourists, but the government has so far not publicized any data. However, Lei said the government has received daily data from casinos.

Recently, the US Department of State has lowered Hong Kong’s travel warning to second tier, but maintained that for Macau at the second most severe tier, noting that Macau has “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”