The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today said an interpretation by the National People's Congress (NPC) regarding an aspect of Hong Kong’s Basic Law served as an important reference point to implement successfully Macao’s Basic Law.

The interpretation, regarding swearing to uphold the Basic Law of Hong Kong and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, was a step to protect further the country’s sovereignty, national integrity and security, and a core interest of the country, said Mr Chui.

Mr Chui made his comments during a meeting with the media following a session at the Legislative Assembly, where he delivered his third policy address in his second term served as Chief Executive.

The legal interpretation made by the Standing Committee of the NPC has indisputable constitutional authority. The power of interpretation by the Standing Committee of the NPC is one of the powers stated in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and stipulated also in Hong Kong’s Basic Law and Macao’s Basic Law.

Interpretations by the Standing Committee of the NPC enjoy the same legal status as provisions in the Basic Law, added Mr Chui

Pledging sincerity and loyalty to the Basic Law, the country and the Special Administrative Region (SAR) are a legal requirement and qualification to anyone who is to hold a public position in either of the country’s SARs.

Since the establishment of the Macao SAR, the Government has fully adhered to Macao’s Basic Law, in order to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and national integrity and security as part of Macao’s constitutional duties. The Government has been devoting significant effort to the promotion of the Constitution and the Basic Law in Macao, in a bid to boost further the spirit of patriotism and love for Macao.

The Standing Committee of the NPC issued last week an interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong, giving detailed requirements for swearing allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR and the country by public officials.