The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, has, on behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government, expressed congratulations on the successful conclusion on Thursday (29 October) of the four-day fifth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held in Beijing.
Mr Sam stated that the key principles and systematic arrangements for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance offer important insights – from the perspective of modern governance – for the MSAR in advancing the development of its civil service and deepening public administration reform.
The MSAR Government will unite and lead all sectors in Macao in earnestly studying and implementing the spirit of the fifth plenary session, and will contribute – through concrete actions – to the country’s macro-level strategies and high-quality development.
Mr Sam stated that the convening of the fifth plenary session of the CPC 20th Central Committee was of far-reaching significance.
General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered an important speech, and the meeting reviewed and adopted the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Certain Major Issues concerning Persevering with Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance, which set out a systematic plan for the persistent advancement of comprehensive and strict governance of the Party.
Thoroughly studying, grasping and implementing the spirit of the plenary session is a major political task for the present and for the foreseeable future. That must be done while taking Macao’s actual circumstances into account, and Macao must strengthen overall planning and coordination, continue to focus its efforts on resolving pressing issues, and ensure that the relevant provisions of the Resolution are effectively implemented.
Mr Sam pointed out that General Secretary Xi’s thoughts on Party building provide fundamental principles and a practical guide for further advancing the new great project of Party building in the new era.
Compatriots in Macao are keenly aware that only by the exercise of strict Party discipline can there be the political, ideological and organisational safeguards for the sound development of the nation’s undertakings. By that path, the initiative can be secured in the face of shifting international circumstances, and a strong political guarantee be provided for the comprehensive advancement of the great cause of national rejuvenation through modernisation with Chinese characteristics.
Mr Sam emphasised that the fifth plenary session of the CPC 20th Central Committee had set out strategic arrangements for the sustained and rigorous implementation of comprehensive and strict Party self-governance. The MSAR’s own governance team should proactively align itself with the nation’s high standards of governance, strengthen its sense of responsibility and commitment, uphold the principle of “patriots governing Macao”, and ensure that all the Central Government’s guidelines and policies are effectively implemented in Macao.
Furthermore, the MSAR Government continues to deepen public administration reforms, break away from outdated ways of thinking, streamline administrative procedures, enhance the efficiency of interdepartmental collaboration, and build a high-calibre workforce. At the same time, Macao will place particular emphasis on strengthening integrity in public administration, maintain a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, improve the mechanisms for managing and supervising the integrity of public officials, and foster a clean and upright environment for governance.
Mr Sam pointed out that this year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and a pivotal year for the MSAR as it charts a new course amidst changing circumstances and seeks breakthroughs through determined efforts.
The MSAR Government will draw on the wisdom and development potential of all sectors of Macao society to work together in order fully to implement General Secretary Xi’s "Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era".
Macao must fully recognise the profound significance of persisting with advancing the comprehensive and rigorous governance of the Party and translate the decisions and arrangements of the fifth plenary session of the CPC 20th Central Committee into concrete action. Macao must also align closely with the national macro-level blueprint, to ensure strategic coherence and alignment with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the effective implementation of the Third Five-Year Plan of the MSAR.
Mr Sam outlined that the MSAR Government would give full play to the institutional strengths of the “One country, two systems” principle. Macao would proactively leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland, while being connected to the world; integrate deeply into and serve the country’s overall development; strive to balance development and security; safeguard Macao’s long-term prosperity and stability; support lasting peace; and actively contribute Macao’s strength to the process of advancing modernisation with Chinese characteristics.