Wang introduces new Beijing ‘approach’

Local observers say the visit of the new Central Government’s Hong Kong and Macau affairs chief, Wang Guangya, shows he would like to adopt a new and closer approach to the SARs affairs, unlike his predecessor

The first official visit of the Central Government’s Hong Kong and Macau affairs chief, Wang Guangya, marks a new era in Beijing’s relationship with the SARs, observers told Macau Daily Times.
Eilo Yu Wing Yat, a public administration professor from the University of Macau, said the visit was very “important and symbolic” to the SARs, as it showed that Wang will be paying more attention on the development of the two regions, in comparison to his predecessor Liao Hui.
“The new chief’s profile seems to be very active, trying to understand the development and the situation of the two SARs, specifically on housing and inflation issues.
“This shows he would like to adopt a new approach to manage Hong Kong and Macau affairs, different from his predecessor,” he said.
Yu added: “The office would like to pay more attention to the SAR openly, while in the past it seemed to be observing backstage.”
Agnes Lam Iok Fong, president of Civic Power Association and political commentator, also stressed the different approach of the new Beijing’s chief for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs.
“Former chief Liao seldom visited Macau and Hong Kong and he was very low key. Now Wang is quite high-profile. It seems it [the visit] is an exercise to show who’s in charge [Central Government].”
After decades of experience with the ‘one country, two systems’ formula, Yu believes Beijing decided it was time to strengthen its presence in both SARs and increase communication.
“The central authorities would like to put more emphasis on the ‘one country’ concept, even though the Basic Law states our autonomy,” he noted.
Although the SARs have a high degree of autonomy, he added, “it [Beijing] is saying we have to pay more attention and emphasise the ‘one country’ concept”.
“The role of the Central Government has to be considered in Macau and Hong Kong.”
Both Lam and Yu agree Wang sent out positive messages, showing he “knows too well what issues people in Macau are concerned about”. They believe he has tackled all the main issues giving concern to residents, including housing and inflation.
“He said how the government should manage social expectations and solve problems that are raised by people, which I guess is the main task of the government,” Lam said.
“Wang said what the Macau Government actually has to do in order to maintain the stability of the city, in particular the housing issues and inflation,” Yu added.

Housing alert

Furthermore, Beijing tried to convey to Macau and Hong Kong an important message: housing is not only a social and economic issue but could also have political consequences if “poorly handled”.
“When he [Wang] remarked the importance of housing in Macau, he intended to remind Macau authorities that we have to pay more attention to it.
“He also mentioned the government is doing a better job to respond to the housing demand, but at the same time it is also important to keep an eye on the market and make sure ordinary citizens can manage their housing demand,” Yu pointed out.
The Chinese official especially encouraged Hong Kong to communicate with their youth, and “guide them to be part of the regime, instead of a frightening element for SAR stability”, the scholar added.
The director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office advised Hong Kong to improve the national education curriculum, and foster local student understanding of how socialism and communist rule came to China.
In Macau he urged authorities to improve the quality of the local labour force in different industries, by putting more effort into professional training, for the MSAR to become an accomplished tourist hub.
Wang voiced some concerns over inflation in Macau, but at the same time admitted it is a global problem.
Local associations were also called on to help the government to communicate efficiently with residents.
The Beijing official commended the overall achievements by the third SAR government headed by Fernando Chui Sai On and said he has confidence in the territory’s development.