More occasions proposed to raise Chinese flag, sing anthem

The Executive Council has concluded discussions on the administrative regulation bill that proposes more places should mandatorily raise the Chinese national flag.

Last Friday, the council reported on the general requirement written in the regulations concerning the use of the national flag, the national symbol, the MSAR flag and symbol, and the singing or playing of the Chinese national anthem.

According to the regulation proposal, the Legislative Assembly, courts of all levels, Public Prosecution Office, ferry terminals, and the guesthouse of the government, should all display or raise the Chinese national flag and the Macau SAR flag daily. The same applies to the government headquarters, the Chief Executive’s (CE) residence, the Macau International Airport and the border gates.

The requirement to display the flags in the above governmental departments is mandatory.

Schools under the non-tertiary education sector are suggested to display or raise the national flag on school days. “It is not mandatory for schools,” said the CE council spokesperson, Leong Heng Teng.

Moreover, the national and Macau flags are proposed to be displayed during more holidays and public events. Currently, the regulation orders the two flags to be raised on China’s national day, Macau’s handover day, and New Year’s day.

The newly proposed dates also include the first three days of the lunar calendar, as well as Labour Day.

Public places, including gardens and parks that are under the management of the Municipal Affairs Bureau, are also suggested to display the flags during important events.

The Chinese national anthem is proposed to be played and sung on more occasions, which include the oath-taking ceremonies of the CE, major government principal officials, CE council members,  lawmakers,  judges, and prosecutors, as well as the launching ceremony of the judicial year, and key sports events.

TV and radio channels with a concession from the government should play the Chinese national anthem in addition to video and audio materials provided by the government on China’s national day, Macau’s handover day, New Year’s Day, and Labor Day.

These channels should also spread the knowledge about manners during the singing of the anthem. JZ