Politics Archives | Macao News

Bills drawn up on legislative assembly elections and safeguarding state secrets

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 04:24:04 +0000

With the passage of these two bills, the Macao government aims to considerably strengthen the SAR’s national security apparatus.

The government intends to amend the law on oaths of office

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 23:45:13 +0000

Officials say that the law, which has not been amended in 22 years, needs to be updated in line with national security legislation.

Here are the highlights from the Chief Executive’s Policy Address Q&A session

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:56:37 +0000

Ho Iat Seng addressed questions concerning the LRT, social welfare, housing, health and other topics during his policy address Q&A with lawmakers yesterday.

The Chief Executive delivers his 2024 Policy Address

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:36:33 +0000

Macao’s top official lays out his vision for the coming year and highlights his administration’s work in national security and economic diversification.

Flags at half-mast in Macao in honour of former premier Li Keqiang

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:52:34 +0000

Li passed away in Shanghai last Friday at the age of 68. Flags will fly at half-mast at the Government Headquarters as well as all border checkpoints today.

Former premier Li Keqiang has died aged 68, state media says

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 01:54:19 +0000

The Peking University-trained economist was known for his pragmatic policies targeting income inequality and unaffordable housing.

Macao responds angrily to US human trafficking sanctions

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 23:00:06 +0000

Washington says it will impose sanctions on Macao from next year over the territory’s alleged failure to combat the scourge of trafficking.

A bill amending Macao’s election law has passed its first reading

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:32:55 +0000

The bill aims for more thorough vetting of chief executive candidates on national security grounds, and to criminalise the act of inciting election committee members not to vote.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng canvases views for his 2024 Policy Address

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:20:32 +0000

Priorities are likely to include polishing Macao’s status as a non-gaming destination, furthering economic diversification, and greater integration with Hengqin.

Classes on national security will feature in Macao’s school curriculum

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 23:27:56 +0000

While national identity education is already common in the SAR, a new framework is being developed to incorporate lessons on national security.

A new bill aims to amend Macao’s chief executive election law

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 23:42:07 +0000

The government-sponsored bill has been designed to plug national security loopholes in the existing legislation.

Have your say on Macao’s newly proposed five-year plan

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 02:46:55 +0000

The Macao public have just 30 days to submit feedback on the government’s freshly-proposed five-year economic diversification plan, centred around reducing dependency on casinos.

‘Unlawful, disorderly or disruptive’ trade unions will be banned

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 04:17:28 +0000

In spite of international criticism of Macao’s labour rights, a draft of the territory’s first trades union bill aims to keep worker organisations on a tight leash.

Macao says the latest US report on human trafficking is ‘unfounded’ and ‘biased’

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 23:34:30 +0000

In its latest survey of the state of human trafficking globally, the US State Department accuses Macao of failing to make ‘significant efforts’ to combat the scourge.

Consultation sessions begin for changes to local electoral laws

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 01:13:29 +0000

A total of eight sessions will be held from now until 29 July to discuss electoral amendments related to national security.

The amended national security law takes effect today

Tue, 30 May 2023 04:27:33 +0000

The new version of the law, passed by the legislature nearly two weeks ago, includes tougher penalties and broader categories of offence.

Xia Baolong meets legislators and justice officials

Fri, 26 May 2023 01:02:14 +0000

The CPPCC vice chairman, who is the central government’s top official on Macao affairs, winds up his four-day fact-finding tour of Macao today.

The top central government official for Macao has met with local leaders

Wed, 24 May 2023 01:08:33 +0000

Xia Baolong is on a four-day fact-finding visit to Macao, following a similar visit made last month to Hong Kong.

The top official in charge of Macao affairs is making a fact-finding visit

Mon, 22 May 2023 09:39:46 +0000

Macao’s Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, has extended a welcome but the government has not given any details about Xia Baolong’s itinerary.

Lawmakers approve amendments to the national security law

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:47:14 +0000

The local government says the changes are a “step to respond effectively” to what it describes as “new adverse challenges in terms of national security”.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng has talks with Luxembourg’s Premier Xavier Bettel

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:44:28 +0000

Ho is in Luxembourg to learn from its bond market – Europe’s largest – and the two sides have agreed to boost ties in finance and other fields.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng heads to Luxembourg after winding up his visit to Lisbon

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 02:30:46 +0000

After four days in Portugal, Macao’s top official prepares to meet Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, before heading to Brussels for talks with Belgian and EU officials.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng meets with Portugal’s top leaders

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:54:22 +0000

During his audience with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Ho was given an honour for services rendered to Portugal.

Ho Iat Seng begins his visit to Portugal by attending a top-level business conference

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:43:01 +0000

Macao’s chief executive is in Lisbon for four days for talks with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister António Costa and Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng will meet President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal today

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:40:05 +0000

The preservation of the Portuguese language in Macao, and what de Sousa termed the rights “agreed between the countries in 1999”, will be on the agenda.

Officials gather to mark the 30th anniversary of Macao’s Basic Law

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 04:45:13 +0000

National People’s Congress standing committee vice chairman, Li Hongzhong, tells dignitaries that the territory’s mini-constitution had given it an “all-round legal guarantee” for growth.

Portuguese language and culture are of ‘high importance’ in Macao, Ho Iat Seng says

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:43:19 +0000

The chief executive made the remarks during a meeting on Tuesday with Portuguese ambassador, Paulo Jorge Nascimento.

Portugal’s last governor says Lisbon has “a privileged knowledge” of China thanks to Macao

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:37:48 +0000

Vasco Rocha Vieira is in the territory until Saturday to collect an honorary doctorate, visit Hengqin and meet with Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng.

The dates for Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng’s trip to Lisbon have been announced

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:44:02 +0000

The economic advantages of Macao’s Portuguese connections, and promotion of the Greater Bay Area, are expected to form the bulk of the agenda.

Macao hits back at US accusations of rights violations

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:27:56 +0000

The local government dismisses as ‘baseless’ a US State Department survey on human rights in Macao, which comes just as Beijing releases its own report on rights abuses in the US.

Media reports have named Beijing’s new top official for Macao affairs

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:17:44 +0000

News outlets in Hong Kong have made unconfirmed reports that Ding Xuexiang, recently described as President Xi’s “most trusted aide”, will take over from Han Zheng.

Macao’s affairs are becoming a higher priority for the central government

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:02:11 +0000

An administrative restructuring will see the bureau that handles the city report to top leaders instead of the State Council, says an official report on institutional reform.

Macao is at a ‘strategically important’ juncture, the head of the liaison office says

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:35:32 +0000

Zheng Xincong of the central government made the remark at a meeting yesterday to discuss the outcome of the recently concluded Two Sessions in Beijing.

More than 100 Chinese-Portuguese interpreters have been trained, the government says

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:20:39 +0000

Top official responds to concerns that the use of Portuguese has been lagging in judicial and administrative circles.

Top officials voice support for Macao as the Two Sessions conclude

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:04:38 +0000

The nation’s new premier says the central government will be supporting Macao’s further alignment with national development plans.

Kou Hoi In has been elected to the NPC’s standing committee

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:25:10 +0000

The president of Macao’s legislature, and Macao’s longest-serving legislator, becomes the sole Macao member on the committee.

A Portuguese national is facing a secession charge in Hong Kong

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 03:51:56 +0000

The man has been denied bail and if found guilty faces up to 10 years in jail under Hong Kong’s national security legislation.

Pansy Ho: Young people need more cultural pride

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:44:35 +0000

In an interview with the CGTN television network, the billionaire CPPCC member says being international ‘does not mean that we become just part of them’.

Officials pledge to support Macao as political leadership gathers in Beijing

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:37:16 +0000

Delegates in Beijing for the annual ‘two sessions’ gatherings are told that the central government will work to develop the local economy.

Hong Kong’s John Lee visits Macao for talks with Ho Iat Seng

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 09:07:31 +0000

Lee’s trip is part of a broader series of visits to Greater Bay Area cities by Hong Kong’s chief executive as the region pushes for closer integration.

Lawmaker criticises inconsistent use of Portuguese in judicial system and government

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 07:53:07 +0000

Portuguese translations of official documents can take as long as two years to appear, legislator Che Sai Wang says, affecting the rights of some residents.

More Chinese texts should be available in Portuguese, lawmaker says

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:37:03 +0000

Such translations could increase technology transfers between China and the lusophone countries, legislature is told.

Macao needs an extradition arrangement with the mainland: security chief

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:30:28 +0000

Deal is needed to provide a basis for the surrender of fugitives, according to Wong Sio Chak.

Chief Executive looks forward to greater cooperation with Hong Kong

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:37:28 +0000

Ho Iat Seng’s bid for stronger commercial ties with the neighbouring city comes as authorities urge deeper integration in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lawmaker calls for greater transparency in the system of appointments to advisory councils

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 04:36:08 +0000

There is “absence of fair competition” when it comes to getting places on consultative bodies, says Che Sai Wang.

Chief Executive adds European Commission to his upcoming itinerary

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 07:51:40 +0000

Ho Iat Seng is set to make his first European trip since taking office, with the first stop being Lisbon.

Chief Executive urges Macanese to promote Macao internationally

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:12:19 +0000

Ho Iat Seng also pledges support for the community’s unique traditions and thanks Macanese for their support during the difficult years of the pandemic.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng to visit Lisbon, reports say

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:04:19 +0000

Cultural and other ties to Portugal said to feature prominently on Ho’s agenda.

Hong Kong Executive Council convenor wants stronger cooperation with Macao

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:36:49 +0000

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee expresses admiration for Macao tourism’s rapid recovery in wake of pandemic.

Ho Iat Seng promises Macao ‘a brighter future’ in Chinese New Year message

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 12:20:16 +0000

Chief Executive expresses ‘heartfelt gratitude’ towards all people in Macao and all community sectors for their support during city’s Covid-19 outbreaks and economic downturn.

22 newcomers among 38 members from Macao on new CPPCC National Committee

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:29:23 +0000

Health Bureau Director Alvis Lo Iek Long, who led fight against Covid-19, and Ho Hoi Kei, daughter of Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, head list of new members.

Chief Executive reaffirms religious freedom for Macao

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:41:55 +0000

Ho Iat Seng thanks Macao’s religious communities for ‘immense work and commitment’ in supporting and city’s residents overcome difficult times during pandemic.

Lúcia Santos appointed head of Macao Economic and Commercial Delegation in Lisbon

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 23:05:11 +0000

Santos replaces former social affairs and culture secretary Alexis Tam, who retires after 33 years in civil service.

Ho Iat Seng’s New Year message praises Macao people’s cooperation with government in dealing with Covid-19 difficulties and challenges

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:43:08 +0000

Chief Executive also hopes Macao people will gradually adapt to post-pandemic life, do their best to protect themselves and work together to resume fully normal economic and social activities.

Macao must continue to open and not return to the past: Ho Iat Seng

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:06:37 +0000

Medical supplies adequate and sufficient hospital beds available in case of need, chief executive states.

President Xi Jinping recognises Ho Iat Seng’s implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macao

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:14:05 +0000

Macao chief executive says he will actively promote the “One Country, Two Systems” and contribute to the “great revitalisation” of the Chinese nation.

Prime Minister Li Keqiang hopes Macao can better integrate into the larger national development environment

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:05:09 +0000

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng says Macao will implement the fundamental principle of ‘Macao governed by patriots’ in 2023 to safeguard sovereignty, security and the interests of national development.

2022 Honours List rewards banks, public utilities and government departments

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:55:30 +0000

Other recipients include Tung Sin Tong, leading businessman Carlos Leitão Rodrigues and the Macau Association of Construction Machinery Owners.

Lawmakers approve amendments to Macao’s national security law

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 23:50:25 +0000

Bill aims to close loopholes in current version of law, ensuring that Macao’s legal system will be fully capable of safeguarding national security.

Politician and lawmaker Vong Hin Fai elected president of Macau Lawyers Association

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:48:22 +0000

Jorge Neto Valente was head of Association for over 25 years; Leonel Alves elected new president of general assembly and Inácio Pun elected secretary-general.

Local deputies elected to the 14th National People’s Congress

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:11:41 +0000

Three new deputies pledge to focus on upgrading social services, youth affairs and education, and also pay special attention to China’s legal system.

Macao pays tribute to late former Chinese President Jiang Zemin

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:20:02 +0000

Top officials demonstrate their respect for statesman who oversaw Macao’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999.

New National Security Law textbook to be issued to schools next year

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:13:30 +0000

Four-chapter textbook covers subjects ‘not included’ in current books; use is not compulsory, official says.

Macao will join Jiang Zemin’s memorial live broadcast starting at 10 am tomorrow

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 04:23:17 +0000

City’s officials to observe three minutes of silence, during which government vehicles and vessels will sound their horns; school teachers, students and others in town also urged to join silent tribute.

Huang Liuquan appointed as Liaison Office deputy director

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:11:35 +0000

Peking University law graduate and long-time government servant becomes one of two deputy directors at Liaison Office.

Jiang Zemin passes away in Shanghai, aged 96

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:10:50 +0000

Former Chinese president was in Macao during the city’s handover from Portuguese administration to the People’s Republic of China in 1999.

International experts share experience at Maritime Silk Road International Cultural Forum in Macao

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 00:13:39 +0000

Culture Secretary Elsie Ao Ieong U promises that Macao will continue to campaign for the Maritime Silk Road’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.

MUST students and staff witness spacecraft launch carrying Macao Student Science Satellite 1

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:30:23 +0000

University plans to support satellite’s educational activities aimed at young people in GBA and on both sides of Taiwan Strait.

Economic recovery No 1 priority next year: Chief Executive

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:13:21 +0000

Ho Iat Seng discounts internet rumours ‘bad-mouthing’ Macao, expresses full confidence in ‘healthy’ gaming industry.

Maritime Silk Road International Cultural Forum to take place in Macao 16-17 November

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 00:12:54 +0000

Month-long programme of related events, including photo exhibition and parent-child workshops, aims to encourage public participation.

Former Macao governor Carlos Montez Melancia dies aged 95

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 23:59:11 +0000

An engineer by training, and holder of many senior government appointments, Melancia resigned over allegations of bribery of which he was later cleared.

President Xi reveals new line-up for Politburo Standing Committee

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:07:04 +0000

Party stalwarts and ardent loyalists, all in their 60s, surround Chinese leader as he consolidates his powerbase.

Liaison Office deputy director Zhang Rongshun recalled to Beijing

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:07:36 +0000

Zhang, 59, has worked in various posts concerning Macao and Hong Kong since 1986. Yan Zhichan only remaining deputy director.

Chief Executive defends Macao’s judicial independence and impartiality

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:03:57 +0000

Ho Iat Seng notes summer pandemic outbreak slowed down Macao’s economic recovery and deeply affected population.

Macao laying the ground to issue digital currency

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:14:07 +0000

Officials acknowledge digital currency is a future trend, but no firm date set for issuing first e-patacas.

President Xi Jinping stresses improving ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy, vows to support Macao

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 23:40:43 +0000

President undertakes to grow economy, promote long-term prosperity and stability. No let-up in zero-Covid policy in sight.

Macao scientists line up to take part in manned space programme

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:10:46 +0000

Scientists from city’s leading tertiary institutions keen to contribute their expertise and seize opportunity.

Alexandre Leitão appointed new Consul General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 23:49:41 +0000

Second Asian posting for career diplomat who has accrued extensive experience in Africa and held important post at European Union in Brussels.

Search for space programme payload specialist from Macao intensifies

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:30:55 +0000

Selection process takes 18 months; even candidates’ families will undergo medical examination for infectious diseases.

Macao payload specialist to join mainland China’s space programme

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:14:41 +0000

First such opportunity in Macao; candidate must be under 46 and expert in medicine, biology, psychology, physics or chemistry, engineering or astronomy.

New stage of “One Country, Two Systems” principle set to bring opportunities to Macao

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 08:48:15 +0000

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng says city has entered a new stage of “transformational development” and wants to explore overseas tourism markets.

All-China Youth Federation members put forward suggestions for CE’s policy address

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 23:54:00 +0000

Ideas focus on Macao’s strengthened participation in Greater Bay Area and In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Local associations put demands to Chief Executive ahead of 2023 Policy Address

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 23:41:19 +0000

Representatives call for sturdier Covid-19 prevention, help with housing and speedy completion of Islands Healthcare Complex; new financial support measures to be revealed soon.

Central government studies measures to support Macao’s tourism

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 23:53:02 +0000

Huang Liuquan, deputy director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, acknowledges Covid-19 has had serious impact on city.

Most new crimes under new national security law to carry maximum 10 years in prison

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:00:34 +0000

Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak sets out government position during public consultation attended by 200 residents.

New department set to oversee Macao’s public enterprises

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 00:20:02 +0000

Goal is to ensure government will always supervise decision-making process and public funds are used rationally.

Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak raises concerns over Macao’s ‘public officials’ who support Hong Kong’s ‘violence’

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:00:10 +0000

Security secretary cites ‘likes’ on social media by local civil servants as support for 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests.

Ho outlines national security law amendment aspirations

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 10:35:22 +0000

Chief Executive encourages residents to put forward their opinions during 45-day public consultation period.

Government launches consultation of national security law revision

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:21:23 +0000

New law considers punishment of individuals who commit acts against national security, even outside Macao.

Macao hits back at UN human rights committee recommendations

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:45:12 +0000

Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon says committee’s suggestion to consider ‘decriminalising’ acts of insulting national flag, emblem and anthem ‘unreasonable’.

Macao hits back at blacklisting by US trafficking report

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 00:49:36 +0000

Report alleges traffickers lure victims from mainland China and further afield to Macao with fake adverts; government ‘deeply indignant about improper comments’.

China rises five places to 102nd in Global Gender Gap Report 2022

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 22:50:42 +0000

Home to around 689 million women, China has improved its gender gap scores in economics and health despite registering lower parity scores in education and politics.

UN Human Rights Committee highlights concerns about political rights and lockdowns in Macao

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 10:26:08 +0000

Secretary for Administration and Justice, André Cheong, says adopting tough anti-virus measures can cause inconvenience but believes the ‘right to life’ is most fundamental.

UN Human Rights Committee calls Macao ‘not consistent’

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:16:44 +0000

UN cites annual Tiananmen vigil ban, pro-democracy candidates exclusion from Legislative Assembly, and omitting same-sex couples from 2016 Law on Prevention and Combating Domestic Violence.

President Xi Jinping expresses recognition for Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and his administration

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 23:00:06 +0000

Xi said he hoped Macao’s chief executive would continue to ‘unremittingly prevent and control the epidemic’.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng to attend Hong Kong SAR’s 25th anniversary

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 01:53:08 +0000

Upon returning, all Macao government delegation members will undergo NATs on days 1, 2, 4 and 7 counting from the time of re-entry into the city.

Macao and Guangdong agree to cooperate more closely

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 23:00:52 +0000

In Hengqin, two sides aim to explore tax reform and develop major projects; Macao CE once again raises reducing quarantine to 7-days.

Macao Chief Executive meets Guangdong officials to discuss Covid-19 and economic recovery

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:00:56 +0000

Ho Iat Seng and four of the city’s five secretaries all in Guangzhou today to discuss bilateral collaboration.

United States acknowledges religious freedom in Macao

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 08:45:32 +0000

Basic Law bars government from restricting religious activities in the SAR; religious groups not required to register to conduct religious activities.

Ho Iat Seng looks forward to Macao economic recovery

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 23:00:42 +0000

During meeting with new director of Liaison Office, Zheng Xincong, chief executive says gradual relaxation of travel restrictions should bring ‘favourable conditions’.