On 30 November, the Central Government announced its approval of a report by Mr Ho Iat Seng, the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), that proposes establishing the posts of National Security Adviser and National Security Technical Adviser in the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao SAR.

The MSAR Government strongly supports the decision of the Central Government, and will work towards its full implementation.

Since Macao’s reunification with the motherland, and with the full support of the Central Government, the MSAR Government has continued to formulate laws and administrative mechanisms, to safeguard national security. It has also commenced, in an effective way, national security work according to law, in order to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintain prosperity and stability in Macao.

In 2009, the Macao SAR completed its national security legislation as stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law, and set up a Committee for Safeguarding National Security, chaired by the Chief Executive. The MSAR Government works to revise supporting laws and regulations, to strengthen law enforcement, and to promote national security education, and continues to improve the electoral system of the Legislative Assembly, in order to maintain in Macao the overall interests of national security.

Yet, in the face of changes in circumstances internally and externally, and in the context of the progress in the implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle, Macao is facing new situations and challenges in its safeguarding of national security.

Making progress in perfecting laws and administrative mechanisms to ensure national security, continuously strengthening the systems and capabilities for safeguarding national security, and strengthening national security education, are conducive overall to safeguarding national security, and to the long-term stability of Macao. These steps match the overall interests of the country and Macao society, and are matters of practical importance and urgency.

Safeguarding national security is under the purview of the Central Government. Based on the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the MSAR Basic Law, the Central Government agreed with, and approved, the Chief Executive’s report, and made a well-founded and reasonable decision to establish the posts of National Security Adviser and National Security Technical Adviser.

This is a major institutional arrangement for comprehensively and properly implementing the principle of “One country, two systems”; for upholding national sovereignty, security, and development interests; and for maintaining the long-term stability and prosperity of Macao. The Central Government’s care and support for Macao is manifested in Macao’s high degree of autonomy.

The decision to establish the advisory posts facilitates development of a national security system in Macao, and strengthens national security based on the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the MSAR Basic Law, to ensure stable and long-lasting implementation of the "One country, two systems" principle.

The Macao SAR bears the constitutional duty of safeguarding national security. The appointment of a National Security Adviser and of a National Security Technical Adviser on the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao SAR, should be stipulated under Macao law.

The Chief Executive will, in accordance with Clause 5 of Article 50 of the MSAR Basic Law, and the requirements approved by the Central Government, promptly order corresponding amendments to Administrative Regulation No. 22/2018, “The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao SAR”. The update will include content related to the National Security Adviser and the National Security Technical Adviser roles. These steps will ensure effective implementation of the decision of the Central Government, better to safeguard national security, and provide strong legal protection for advancing the rule of law in Macao.