The Chief Executive, Edmund Ho, today (17 Mar) left for Beijing to attend the closing ceremony of the first session of the Tenth National People's Congress in Beijing at the invitation of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

The Chief Executive said upon his departure that he would report to the new leaders on the recent development of the Macao SAR and would listen to their opinion and advice, if he were to be summoned.

He also recalled the previous meeting he had with the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Hu Jintao when Mr. Hu affirmed that the Central Government would maintain its policy to Hong Kong and Macao.

When asked about the negotiations between the two jockey clubs of Hong Kong and Macao, Edmund Ho said that the Government had not received any related application.

He emphasized that the SAR Government would handle it flexibly provided that the proposal is positive to the development of the Macau Jockey Club and the job opportunity of its staff.

He also said that amendment on the concession contract that regulates the operation of the Macau Jockey Club might be necessary yet it is up to the SAR Government.