Cradle of the Macao SAR Government -
the Macao SAR Preparatory Committee

　　by U Wai Ang
　　The Macao SAR Preparatory Committee of National People's Congress was successfully founded on 5th May 1998, which marked the beginning of the project of constituting the SAR government. The structure of SAR, based on the principle of "One country, two systems" and the Basic Law, will be unfolded gradually before the people of the world.
　　According to the Basic Law of Macao, the SAR Preparatory Committee shall be consisted of 100 members from Macao (which shall account for no less than 50%) as well as from the inland. From the list of members adopted and appointed by the National People's Congress, it is apparent that 60 members, or 60% of the total are from Macao,which is more than the ratio of 50% designated by the Basic Law. This exemplifies the National People's Congress' intention that Macao people be encouraged to participate in their own affairs.Members from the inland include representatives from related ministries and committees of the Chinese government and from those areas with close relations with Macao (such as Guangdong,Beijing, etc.). This composition not only reflects the principle of national sovereignty but also is conducive to communication between Macao and all sectors of the inland. Members of Macao are all well-known personages from various sectors of the community who have for long contributed a lot to the construction, stability and prosperity of Macao.They are widely representative, of such fields as finance, trade, property development, industries,laws, education, liberal arts, engineering, labor,religion, youths, women, and various social entities.Some of them are representatives to the National People's Congress, members of Political Consultative Committee, ex-counsels on the Basic Law, and ex-members of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law. Business tycoons are representedas well as grass-root social groups. The same is true also of political personalities and professionals,of renowned seniors and youthful juniors. It can be noted that the majority, who love the motherland as well as Macao, can find their endorsees in the Preparatory Committee. In addition, seven of the members are Chinese officials who have long stationed in Macao. They are familiar not only with the circumstances in Macao, but also with domestic governmental mechanism, who may be characterized as members with "dual" identities,which enables them to lubricate and grind in, as it were, in the work of the Preparatory Committee.As an entity, the Preparatory Committee represents the greatest volition of people in Macao □which is to revert to the motherland, and implement the policy of "one country, two systems; and leaving the affairs of Macao to her people who shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy" □so as to ensure stability and prosperity of Macao on the long run.
　　The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration explicitly provides that the Portuguese government shall be responsible for the administration of Macao until 20th December 1999. The Preparatory Committee is an institution of authority established under the auspices of the National People's Congress, which shall undertake to prepare for the establishment of the Macao SAR Government. The Committee will not interfere with the daily administrative operation of the Portuguese government before 20th December 1999, just as it will not become a "second power center". Actually, it needs sincere and effective support and cooperation from the Portuguese government.
　　It is a great endeavor to prepare for the Macao SAR Government. The Preparatory Committee is set to undertake nine major tasks: (I) to constitute the first Macao SAR Government and the Nomination Committee, to decide on methods of election of the first Chief Executive; (2) to devise the methods of generating the first Legislative Council; (3) to come up with ways of constituting functional services of the SAR Government; (4) to put forward legal solutions to any major legal issues with a bearing on smooth transition; (5) to work out a transitional procedures for the government functional departments; (6) to work out some approaches and suggestions as to how to secure smooth transition in economic, social and cultural aspects; (7) to put forward suggestions as to the implementation of the nationality legislation in the SAR; (8) to come up with schemes of the celebration ceremony of the establishment of Macao SAR Government and related activities; (9)to prepare for and handle other major affairs related to the founding of the SAR Government Faced with such great yet difficult tasks, the Preparatory Committee will serve as a core in the leadership of people of Macao to participate in, and paint a better future. In this endeavor, the Preparatory Committee should base its actions on Macao's future development and bring them in the interest of the Macao people, go all out and do all it can to facilitate a smooth hand-over of power, and to contribute to the future SAR government.Meanwhile, each of Macao resident should facilitate the work of the Preparatory Committee, participate in the endeavors by the future SAR government,air their views and contribute to Macao's future.
　　There are fewer than 600 days to go before Macao reverts to the motherland, which is a crucial period leading to the hand-over. I am convinced that, backed by the motherland and centered around the Preparatory Committee, the people of Macao will actively engage themselves in a common and well-oriented effort, Macao will see a smooth transition and further development.