Macau’s former chief executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah said yesterday that in response to the adverse impact of the anti-extradition bill protests in Hong Kong, Macau needed to strengthen its patriotism, consolidate the foundations of its social policies and show the world the successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle with local characteristics.

Ho made the remarks during a closed-door meeting hosted by the Central People’s Government Liaison Office in Macau at the New Bamboo Mansion on Penha Hill yesterday afternoon. The office released a statement on the meeting last night.

The purpose of the meeting was to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Ho is a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC.

Liaison Office Director Fu Ziying and Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On also addressed the meeting, which was attended by about three dozen current and former members of the CPPCC National Committee from Macau, as well as other senior officials of the Liaison Office.

Ho said that the anti-government protests in Hong Kong were posing a major challenge to the practice of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. He urged all patriots in Macau to study the relevant speeches by President Xi Jinping on the matter. He also called for all local sectors of civil society to join forces to maintain political stability, promote social harmony and develop and strengthen the powerful force of loving the country and loving Macau.

Fu and Chui also urged Macau people to learn from Xi’s important speeches.

Fu also said that Macau’s CPPCC members should dare to tell the truth and let the Liaison Office understand the actual situation in Hong Kong and Macau. He pointed out that the Liaison Office “dares to listen to the truth.”

Macau’s former chief executive Edmund Ho Hau (right) and Central People’s Government Liaison Office Director Fu Ziying attend yesterday’s meeting to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the New Bamboo Mansion on Penha Hill. Photo: MPDG