It comes as no surprise that national leaders - including Zhang Dejiang, the top legislator - have spoken highly of the Macao Special Administrative Region's (MSAR) achievements in social and economic development.

Unsurprisingly, the past decade and a half since its handover in 1999 have been a golden age for Macao's social and economic development. The city witnessed its fastest economic growth during this period, enjoying a staggering average annual growth rate of 16.2 percent. Its per capita GDP has increased nearly five-fold from about $15,000 in 1999 to around $90,000 in 2013, ranking fourth highest in the world.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) figures pale in comparison. Its per capita GDP in 2013 was only about $38,000, ranked 24th in the world, a modest increase from the $27,000 recorded in 1997 at the handover.

Much of Macao's economic achievement may be attributed to the many supportive central government policies. But a sound executive-led system, as stipulated in the MSAR's Basic Law, has also played a crucial role. This political system has effectively reduced political wrangling and infighting.

A strong executive branch ensures the rapid formulation and effective implementation of polices needed not only to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods but also tackle social problems. Consequently, the MSAR has produced a relatively harmonious and stable society. This in turn facilitates future policy implementation - a kind of virtuous cycle.

The HKSAR has enjoyed comparable support from the central government since its handover. But the executive-led political system, as enshrined in its own Basic Law, has not operated smoothly. It has been a common phenomenon for opposition lawmakers to obstruct government policies or measures in the Legislative Council with filibustering tactics. And in many cases they oppose for the sake of their own political agenda rather than the overall interests of society.

As a result of the failure to establish a strong executive dominance in the political system, the HKSAR government has been fighting an uphill battle in implementing policies and measures needed to develop the economy and solve pressing social problems such as the severe housing shortage.

At a Monday meeting with MSAR Chief Executive Chui Sai-on, Zhang urged the MSAR government to continue its comprehensive implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and abide by its Basic Law. This same message is also good for the HKSAR. After all, the SAR's interests can be safeguarded only when the country's interests are safeguarded.

(HK Edition 12/09/2014 page1)