"The Central People's Government will give full support to Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah and the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region he leads," said Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji in Macao on December 20.

The Chinese premier made the remarks while speaking at the ceremony for the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) and the swearing-in of the MSAR Government.

Zhu went on to say, "It is hoped that all of you will carry forward the Macao compatriots' glorious tradition of loving China and loving Macao, implement the Basic Law of the Macao SAR to the letter, conscientiously fulfill your duties and make due contributions to the maintenance of the long-term stability and development of Macao, so as to live up to ardent expectations of your fellow countrymen and Macao inhabitants and be worthy of the great trust placed in you by history."

The Chinese premier stressed, "As of today, the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China takes effect, and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region starts to exercise its functions and powers.