Since its return to China on December 20, 1999, the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) has improved the local social order remarkably and its economy has resumed growth, with local residents enjoying a happy life and positive changes taking place in all fields.
This was remarked here Thursday by Premier Zhu Rongji at a panel discussion of the MSAR deputies to the Ninth National People's Congress (NPC), in session here since Monday.
The experience shows that the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Macao People Governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy for Macao are totally correct and that the MSAR government has done a good job, the premier said.
Zhu emphasized that the central government will continue to support the work of Chief Executive Ho Hau-wah. He urged Macao to create a sound environment for its long-term prosperity, stability and development.
Over the past year, the MSAR government has adopted various kinds of measures to crack down on criminal activities and safeguarded social stability effectively, the premier said, warning that vigilance for public security must always be maintained.
The central government will continue supporting the MSAR government's efforts to improve social order and closer cooperation between police forces in Macao and the inland areas is necessary to prevent criminals from using the inland as a hideout to avoid punishment by law, Zhu said.
He hoped economic cooperation and exchanges between Macao and the inland areas, which have been increasing remarkably since Macao's return, will continue in future. With the motherland providing a strong backing and its people exerting concerted efforts, Macao will be even more stable and prosperous, the premier said.
(People’s Daily 03/08/2001)
