Macao's new chief vows to promote "sunshine government"

MACAO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Third-term Chief Executive (CE) of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chui Sai On said Tuesday that he and his government will focus on fighting corruption and promoting a "sunshine government".

He made the remark when attending a press conference held here Tuesday afternoon along with nine principal officials of the new SAR government and a public prosecutor-general who were all newly appointed by the China's State Council. The appointment was announced Tuesday.

Chui said that the first job of his government is to prepare the policy address which will be delivered by him at the SAR's Legislative Assembly in March next year.

He also said that the new government will take measures to tackle the negative impact brought about by the global financial crisis and thoroughly review the issues of local people's livelihood, while enhancing local health system and allocating more resources for education development.

According to the Basic Law, the SAR's mini-constitution, the new CE and the appointed principal officials will take office on Dec. 20 this year, which also marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR.

Of the five top-ranking officials of the new SAR government, all but the secretary for social affairs and culture remained the same with the current government headed by incumbent CE Ho Hau Wah. Chui Sai On has long been the SAR's secretary for social affairs and culture since the establishment of the SAR in 1999 until he resigned from the post earlier this year to run for the third-term CE. Current Commissioner Against Corruption Cheong U will take over as the SAR's new Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, according to the new appointment.