MACAO - The Macao Special Administrative Region held the opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 Judicial Year on Tuesday at the Macao Cultural Centre.

In his speech delivered at the ceremony, Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai expressed confidence in advancing Macao's rule of law.

Sam said Macao's Basic Law establishes an executive-led political structure and defines the administrative, legislative, and judicial systems. The three branches must maintain their respective statutory functions while preserving the executive-led system, he added.

Looking ahead, Sam said the SAR government would continue to step up its efforts towards the goal of "Law-based Macao", accelerating judicial infrastructure development, enhancing judicial training, and fully supporting the exercise of the independent judicial power and final-adjudication authority granted by the nation.

Prosecutor-General Tong Hio-fong noted that in the new judicial year, the Public Prosecutions Office will deepen digital development to improve the quality and efficiency of its work, continue training programs, and improve coordination and communication.

Song Man-lei, president of the Court of Final Appeal, and President of the Macao Lawyers Association Vong Hin-fai also addressed the ceremony, which was attended by about 390 guests.