The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Macao Administrative Region Government has been firmly adhering to the principles of judicial independence, ruling in accordance with law, actively promoting education on popularising the law, and facilitating building of the legal system since its establishment 15 years ago.

And the Government would continue to join hands with the people of Macao to enhance legal awareness, perfect and safeguard the rule of law, and fully implement the Basic Law of Macao.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2014/2015 Judicial Year held at the Macao Cultural Centre this afternoon, Mr Chui re-iterated that the Macao SAR enjoys judicial independence and power of final adjudication as stipulated in the Basic Law.

Judicial independence is the cornerstone for Macao to realise a high degree of autonomy. The Government has been safeguarding this principle to rule according to law, earnestly and sincerely listening to the views of the judiciary and legal professionals, and supporting the development of Macao’s judicial system.

Mr Chui said judicial independence is the foundation for realising fair justice, impartiality and high efficiency. To establish fair justice and righteousness is the way to ensure people’s legal rights are protected and social order and peace is maintained. The ongoing perfection of the judicial system enables the Macao SAR to achieve sustainable and co-ordinated development.

Macao depends on the concerted efforts of the judiciary and its personnel at all levels to perform their duties and strengthen their power to safeguard judicial independence and fairness. Since Macao’s re-unification with the motherland, the judicial authorities of Macao have overcome challenges to achieve progress in building a judicial system that suits its local circumstances. A powerful judicial team has been formed, to facilitate a legal environment favourable for society’s development.

The Chief Executive said the Government would continue to support the judiciary to optimise hardware and software facilities, strengthen training of judicial personnel, deepen exploration of human resources, encourage learning regarding advanced technology and management, improve judicial efficiency and quality, enhance regional judicial exchanges and co-operation, and expedite the development of Macao’s judicial system.