Chui opens door to more political reform sessions

The government might expand the channels for the political reform consultation, in order to address concerns over the number of sessions open to all residents, the Chief Executive said on Friday.
Fernando Chui Sai On made this remark upon his return from a week-long visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels.
“As I heard that people are demanding more public consultations to express their opinions, we should analyse their opinions from different channels,” he said.
The government organised eight public sessions but only opened the last session to the public. This decision has been criticised and tomorrow it will also be discussed at the Legislative Assembly.
Lawmaker Paul Chan Wai Chi will question the secretary for Administration and Justice, Florinda Chan, on this issue. In his enquiry the pan-democrat says only one session is “significantly insufficient” and “doesn’t prove that the government cares about public opinion”.
Chan Wai Chi urged authorities to increase the number of sessions open to residents, in order to “properly collect the opinions from a wider section of the society”.
Lawmakers Ng Kuok Cheong and José Pereira Coutinho also suggested the government increase the number of sessions. In addition, on February 4, the New Macau Association will organise a public session open to all residents.
Last week, the pan-democrat association held a street rally in Senado Square to encourage residents to get informed and actively participate in the consultation.
The association believes that the government should educate the public more over the importance of political reform and to push them to take part in the consultation.
The round of public sessions organised by the government will end this week. As of now, the government has listened to opinions of political representatives, media, magistrates and legal experts, public servants and economy and finance experts.
Today, transportation, urban planning and construction experts will have their chance to speak up and tomorrow representatives from the social affairs and culture will have their turn.
The session open to all residents will take place Wednesday, between 8 pm and 9.30 pm at the grand auditorium of the Macau Cultural Centre. Today is the last day for registration.