Scholars advocate for effective public consultations on cash handouts

Amid the recent debate over full cash distributions versus a 183-day residency requirement for the 2025 Wealth Partaking Scheme in Macau, Chan Kin Sun, an assistant professor at the University of Macau (UM), stressed the need for effective public consultations to build consensus.

Chan stated during public broadcaster TDM’s radio program yesterday: “Public discussions about the minimum baseline of stay in Macau and the beneficiaries of this measure involve the concept of universality, which requires careful consideration.” He urged the government to clarify the meanings of “sustainability” and “universality” in the cash handout scheme while maintaining an objective and neutral stance to avoid ideological bias.

The assistant professor also believes that the government must conduct effective social consultations to build consensus, saying: “Otherwise, it will be difficult to promote change, and the risks will be relatively high.”

Sharing the view that the government needs to seek greater consensus within society to establish an acceptable mechanism, Vong Kuoc Ieng, the principal of the Choi Nong Chi Tai School, stated: “If the government needs to adjust its policies, it is crucial to describe these adjustments effectively and adequately from the perspective of sustainable development. Currently, I mainly hear broad principles, such as some people being unable to obtain resources, and that these resources should be allocated more specifically to certain groups.”

The government’s earlier proposal to revise the city’s cash handouts of MOP 10,000 for permanent residents and MOP 6,000 for non-permanent residents sparked heated debate among residents. Yesterday, TDM seized the opportunity to invite Chan and Vong to discuss the government’s cash handout scheme.

Vong acknowledged that the cash handouts, in place for 17 years, have become a regular and inclusive measure in Macau.

As a small economy, Macau is more susceptible to fluctuations from internal and external factors, and this measure has produced a stabilizing effect.

“The original purpose of the scheme was to counteract rising prices and help residents navigate difficult times, particularly during the 2008 period […] By 2013, the scheme clearly reflected economic development and progress. In downturns, especially when facing inflationary pressures, this measure has also served an anti-inflationary role,” he noted, emphasizing that cash handouts continue to provide crucial support for the general public, particularly low-income families.

Both Chan and Vong believe that the cash handouts have not been officially codified since their introduction, and their isolation from other policies has hindered effective coordination, leaving many situations unclear. However, they commend the government’s proposal to reform the policy and actively seek public opinion on the 17-year-old scheme.

Meanwhile, Vong advised against making changes this year: “We should conduct extensive consultations to seek consensus and, after identifying the greatest common denominator, plan to implement changes at a suitable time next year or later. This approach will facilitate smoother governance and funding processes for the government.”

Opinions were divided among listeners of yesterday’s radio program regarding the establishment of a 183-day residency requirement for the handouts. Some expressed concern that residents studying abroad, working in mainland China, those who are patients, and the elderly would be excluded from eligibility.

On this matter, Vong expressed that if the government implements a 183-day annual stay limit for cash handouts, it should consider exemptions for specific groups, including those studying abroad, working in mainland China, patients, and the elderly.

“Some residents may need to leave Macau for medical treatment or major surgeries, which might require traveling to Hong Kong or mainland China. If medical certificates are provided, exemptions should be granted for these individuals,” he said.

Referring to special circumstances like athletes training domestically or abroad, he recommended simplifying the exemption application procedures and enhancing accessibility through electronic channels and the Macao One Account.