You have to read the CCP Congress messages well, says Ho Iat Seng. I agree. I fear that, today, we have different readings.
The message speaks of deepening autonomy, economic recovery and attracting foreign investment. For now, it seems not to be heard in Praia Grande. But it has to be. It was very helpful to know what we are – and what we want to be. This is the basis for understanding what can be done.
There are limits: many of them endemic, embedded in a poorly prepared social fabric, and in a rentier economy addicted to gambling. There are other limits, misunderstood, in the logic that comes from the North. But there is one certainty: if there is nothing on Earth; and everything tumbles down from Heaven, it’s going to go wrong.
Beijing says: “Deepen the autonomy” of Macau and Hong Kong; but also to help solve the “deep problems” they face; mainly “economic” and “social”.
That means a lot… it certainly doesn’t mean standing still and waiting for the wind to blow. It’s already blowing. Now… if there are no ideas; the plan that comes from afar remains; if there are no proposals, nor negotiating capacity, there will be orders; if there is not even ambition, then there is nothing… Patriotism does not equal paralysis plus good behavior. And it doesn’t solve anything.
The international city that Beijing is asking for implies a basic package, with five pillars: quality education, a sophisticated health system; credible courts, sense of security, and sense of freedom. But that’s not the ongoing perception – if anything is going on.
Macau steps back; instead of giving them to the front. On the face of the Region; for his role in the Great Bay; for the seduction he has to project in Lusophony, for the respect he wants to have in Beijing.
Promoting doubt in those who are here – Chinese, Portuguese, and everyone else – refusing difference instead of promoting it; drive away rather than attract, is anything but selling the future. Beijing this week gave signs that it will ease pandemic rules, and instructions to all provinces to facilitate and promote the inflow of foreign capital and know-how.
It’s good that Macau listens.
The Chinese saying goes that the tiger only hunts when the wind blows. But to smell the wind, you can’t be sleeping. The hunt is on. And the tigers next door aren’t sleeping.
*Director General of PLATAFORMA
