The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, today called on the people of Macao to unite as one to overcome the challenges lying ahead in 2009.

In his New Year message to the people, Mr Ho said 2008 was a remarkable year for Macao, which was marked by its social stability in the midst of economic restructuring, effective gathering of public opinion and better distribution of economic gains to the public.

He said the upcoming year would be critical for Macao, which would hold elections for the third-term Chief Executive and the fourth-term Legislative Assembly.

He said the public’s extensive participation in these elections would push ahead the implementation of the principles of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and a high degree of autonomy.

The year 2009 would also be important in terms of economic and social development. Since Macao is facing the growing impacts of the global economic crisis triggered by the financial turmoil, the Government and the people should stay alert and prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

Mr Ho reminded the public that with the efforts we made in the past few years, the fundamentals of Macao had been greatly enhanced. Moreover, the Central Government had recently introduced a host of measures to support the development of Macao.

Therefore, we should unite and be confident in dealing with the challenges ahead, Mr Ho said.

Mr Ho expressed his warmest wishes to Macao citizens and wished Macao would have a better development in every aspect.