STORY: Macao's top legislator affirms legislature's commitment to national security, public welfare
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 10, 2024
DATELINE: Dec. 12, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:49
LOCATION: MACAO, China
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Macao
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)
3. various of Macao
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)
5. various of Macao
6.  SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)
7. various of Macao
8. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)

STORYLINE:

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland from Portuguese rule.

Macao's top legislator affirmed that the local legislature has remained steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding national security and enhancing people's well-being since the region's return to China in 1999.

Kou Hoi In, president of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), recalled his role in the historic "midnight legislation" session on Dec. 20, 1999.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)
"After the handover ceremony at midnight on Dec. 20, 1999, we immediately convened in the new Legislative Assembly building for our first full session. We passed 11 critical laws that laid the legal foundation for the functioning of the SAR's government, legislature, and judiciary. Since the handover, Macao has enacted or amended 404 laws."

Kou also underscored the importance of implementing the principle of "patriots administering Macao."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)
"The legislature of the SAR has revised laws governing the elections of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Assembly to ensure governance remains firmly in the hands of those who love the motherland."

Reflecting on the past 25 years, Kou noted that the legislature and the SAR government have fostered a close, cooperative relationship, which has played a crucial role in the steady and sustained success of the "one country, two systems" policy in Macao.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)
"There is a clear consensus among lawmakers that what benefits the country benefits Macao. This shared understanding allows national security-related bills to pass swiftly and smoothly through the legislature."

On matters of public welfare, Kou said that the local legislature has consistently focused on two core priorities: promoting economic development and safeguarding the well-being of the people.

Key legislative initiatives covered education, employment, social security, housing, food security, and public transportation.

As the top legislator, Kou remains optimistic about the future of Macao's legislative work.

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)
"At the Legislative Assembly, we hope to better integrate Macao into the overall development of our country, further enhance its economy, and ensure that Macao residents experience a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Macao, China.
(XHTV)