Macao, HK newspapers hail the 5th anniversary of Macao's return to motherland

Macao and Hong Kong newspapers published editorials respectively on December 20, 2004, the fifth anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, to review the rapid progress achieved and look into the future of the special administrative region.

In an editorial entitled "Celebrate 5th anniversary of return, work together to achieve new victories", Macao Daily said that in a short span of five years, "Tiny Macao created a miracle"--relying on the care and support of the central government and under the leadership of Macao SAR's first-term government led by Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Macao reversed the declining tendency before its return in 1999 and, after consolidating its internal strength, set its goal on economic development. It opened in a moderate way its gambling industry and pushed forward the coordinated development of other economic sectors. As a result, Macao's economic growth rates climbed up year on year, its political situation remained stable and the society kept in unity and harmony. Reforms in various social systems, as public administration, legal affairs, healthcare, education and social security, are forging ahead according to plan.

The wonder created in Macao, the article said, is neither an accidental happening nor a piece of sheer luck, but an inevitable outcome of the earnest implementation and exploration of the guiding principle "One Country, Two Systems".

The article expressed the hope that Macao people, who are enjoying long-awaited happiness and confidence, would be more active in accumulating energy and knowledge for another golden period to come.

HK-based Wen Wai Po published an editorial entitled "Macao's achievements demonstrate vigor of 'One Country, Two Systems'". Macao's advancement in the past five years, the article said, strongly proved that the "One Country, Two Systems" principle is the fundamental guarantee of Macao's sustainable development and long-term prosperity and stability. Macao people are of full intelligence, capability and means to well manage, build and development the special administrative region.

Hong Kong should learn from Macao's progress and experience gained in the past five years, the article pointed out. The Macao SAR government led by Edmund Ho Hau Wah has done a good job in performing its administrative duties and successfully reversed the society's declining trends in economy and public security. The Macao people, from all walks of life, united together to build Macao's spirit, which is very admirable. These successful experiences of Macao mean something enlightening to the Hong Kong society.

Hong Kong's Ta Kung Pao carried an editorial named "Happy to see Macao people working together with one accord to create prosperity". It said that Macao's miracle came from the central government's support, effective ruling of Macao government and joint efforts of all the Macao people, the three forces supporting and pushing forward one another and converged and formed an irresistible trend forward.

Led by correct policy from the central government and practical administration from the local government, the article pointed out, the Macao people have acquired a substantial benefit. Realizing keenly that economic development must be based on social stability, they have been earnestly supporting their government's work and the society has rarely seen any unnecessary bikers or quarrels.

By People's Daily Online