CE: Rule of law to play crucial role in development and construction effort under MSAR 's Third Five-Year Plan

MACAU, October 15 - The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 judicial year of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), stated that the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the MSAR’s Third Five-Year Plan have laid out a blueprint and action plan for Macao to capitalise on national development opportunities, deepen reforms and foster innovative development.

The objectives and implementation plan for the development and construction of various sectors in the MSAR have been clearly defined, he added. The rule of law is the cornerstone for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests; for ensuring the steady and long-term progress of the “One country, two systems” principle; and for overall social harmony and stability. The rule of law therefore plays a crucial role, Mr Sam stated. The judicial authorities and the legal profession as a whole will undoubtedly be key participants and contributors to Macao’s long-term prosperity and stability.

The judicial year ceremony was held this afternoon at the Macao Cultural Centre. Officials also taking part in the ceremony included: the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Cheong Weng Chon; the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Ms Song Man Lei; the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Wong Sio Chak; the Prosecutor General, Mr Tong Hio Fong; and the President of the Macau Lawyers Association, Mr Vong Hin Fai.

The Chief Executive stated that, over the past year, the judicial authorities of the MSAR had steadfastly fulfilled the duties conferred upon them under the Macao Basic Law and other laws, strictly upheld the principles and core values of the rule of law, and achieved significant and positive results in advancing the rule of law in Macao. In particular, they have diligently discharged their respective responsibilities in overseeing the investigation and conducting the trial of the first case involving national security, in accordance with the law, thereby resolutely safeguarding national security and social stability.

Mr Sam also pointed out that next year will be a crucial mid-term test for the current administration’s governance, with tight deadlines, heavy workloads and high standards across all areas of work. At the same time, the internal and external environment facing Macao is undergoing profound and complex changes. This requires Macao to maintain a high level of risk awareness, an awareness of crisis and a “bottom-line” mindset at all times. That is while accurately identifying changes, responding to them scientifically, and proactively seeking change, so as better to address various internal and external risks and challenges.

Faced with new opportunities and challenges, the judicial authorities, as an integral part of Macao’s governance structure, must adopt a holistic perspective. They must be adept at considering issues from the standpoint of the fundamental interests of the nation and the overall interests of Macao; and work together to uphold and improve the executive-led system, whilst jointly enhancing the effectiveness of governance. The following aspects in particular require attention:

First, to firmly uphold the constitutional order established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Macao Basic Law. Second, to strengthen awareness of preventing and resisting corruption and firmly establish the bottom line and red lines for integrity and probity. Third, to optimise the management of judicial personnel and accelerate the development of a professional and efficient judicial workforce. Fourth, to continuously improve the judicial system and enhance judicial efficiency. Fifth, to proactively support Macao’s development and construction through judicial work. Sixth, to make better use of the judicial authorities’ professional expertise and practical experience to support their active participation in advancing the rule of law in Macao. And seventh, to strengthen international judicial exchanges and cooperation between regions; fully leverage Macao’s unique position and advantages as a link between the Chinese mainland and the outside world, as well as Macao’s unique role as a bridge for cross-jurisdictional collaboration; expand the network of external judicial cooperation; and enhance the efficiency of judicial and law enforcement proceedings in cases involving foreign elements.

Mr Sam hoped that the Macau Lawyers Association will expedite institutional reforms, strengthen industry governance, and promote the further standardisation and modernisation of the legal profession. He also hoped that the Association will conduct pragmatic research, in accordance with the law, to advance the revision of relevant laws and regulations – such as the "General Principles for Lawyers" – and remove the obstacles hindering the sector’s development. He hoped that the Association would accelerate the establishment of a modern legal-profession system that complies with the requirements of the Basic Law and is suited to the actual circumstances of Macao.

The Chief Executive emphasised that the MSAR Government attaches great importance to the development of the infrastructure and personnel arrangements within the judicial system, and that this has achieved significant results. In July this year, the new Court of Final Appeal building was officially opened. The Court of Second Instance building is expected to be completed in the first half of next year; and work on the Court of First Instance building is also progressing smoothly.

The MSAR Government will, as always, respect and uphold judicial independence, continue to support the development of both the infrastructure and human resources of the judicial sector, and work hand in hand with the judiciary, the legal profession and members of all sectors of society, in order jointly to take the development of the rule of law in Macao to new heights.

Following Mr Sam’s speech, Ms Song, Mr Tong, and Mr Vong, each gave a speech during the ceremony marking the start of the 2026/2027 judicial year of the MSAR.

Among the approximately 350 guests attending today’s event were: the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Zheng Xincong; the Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao, Mr Cheng Lei; principal officials of the MSAR Government; members of the Executive Council; members respectively of the Independent Committee for the Nomination of Judges, the Judicial Council, and the Prosecutors Committee; magistrates of the courts and of the Public Prosecutions Office; members of the Legislative Assembly; the Chief of Office of the Chief Executive’s Office; Chiefs of Office for principal officials; and representatives from the legal profession.

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