Statement by the Macao Government Information Bureau (GCS)*
Former premier of the State Council Zhu Rongji passed away in Beijing yesterday.
Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, on behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), expressed deep condolences over Zhu’s passing and extended sincere sympathies to his family.
Sam stated that Zhu was an outstanding leader of the nation who made significant contributions to the country’s reform, opening-up, and modernisation. On December 20, 1999, Zhu, then premier of the State Council, attended the return ceremony held by the Chinese and Portuguese governments in Macao. Subsequently, at the establishment ceremony of the MSAR, he administered the oath of office for the first chief executive and principal officials of the MSAR – a moment that remains an everlasting shared memory for the people of Macao. Zhu always cared deeply about the cause of “One Country, Two Systems” and the development of the MSAR. As he has passed away, we will forever remember his care and support for the MSAR, as well as his contributions to the country and its people.
*Unabridged translation from Chinese, arranged and edited by the Post
