Liberal Studies 7

a (i) The Macao government distributed cash to its residents to enhance their well-being and offer monetary assistance in the economic crisis. (2 marks)

a(ii) The Macao government distributed cash to both permanent and non-permanent residents. The former received more cash with an additional medical voucher.

In addition, the Macao treasury’s capability to support the cash distribution is a condition that made the implementation of the policy possible. (4 marks)

b.

The greatest difference between the two governments’ relief measures is that the Hong Kong government mainly provides economic assistance in the form of subsidies and concessions.

For example, the total electricity charge subsidy for all households was doubled from HK$1,800 to HK$3,600 in 2008. The government also launched policies aiming at specific targets.

For instance, the rental payment of public housing tenants was waived for two months in 2008, and in 2009, electricity charge subsidy for households is applicable until August of the year.

The Macao Government has implemented less relief measures than the Hong Kong government. The measures took the form of cash distribution to both permanent and non-permanent residents, with the former receiving more. (4 marks)

c.Free answers. Any reasonable answers are acceptable. For example:Yes: This is because like the citizens of Macao, citizens of Hong Kong are also facing the economic crisis. The material aspect of their living standard falls due to the financial tsunami. The Hong Kong government should thus sympathize with the citizens and help them overcome the adversities. The most direct way is by distributing cash to them. This would provide those in need of cash for living with immediate assistance. The government can offer citizens financial assistance in the form of subsidies and concessions. This proves in a way that the government is capable to distribute cash to its citizens.

No: This is because the government has a financial budget every year. Following the temporary economic policy of a nearby region simply because it pleases most citizens is shortsighted and may create chaos.

The situation of Macao is different from that of Hong Kong. Macao has a smaller population than Hong Kong and it has a different economic structure. The government of Hong Kong would be loaded with a huge financial burden if it follows the example of Macao to distribute cash.

Moreover, the implementation of long-term economic plans would also be overlooked. Apart from the provision of economic assistance in the form of subsidies, the government of Hong Kong could also improve Hong Kong’s economy to benefit more citizens by means such as the construction of large-scale infrastructure, extended promotion of tourism, and the reinforcement of the development of finance. (8 marks)

d. Free answers. Any reasonable answers are acceptable. For example:

•The Hong Kong government should make good use of the ‘Individual Visit Scheme’ by stepping up publicity targeted at mainland tourists so as to attract more mainland residents to come to Hong Kong for consumption or other activities, thus stimulating the economy. The local retail, hotel and transportation sectors can also benefit from the development of tourism, thus securing the employment of Hong Kong citizens.

•The government of Hong Kong should maintain an even closer tie with the central government. For example, it should actively implement the articles of CEPA so as to create more opportunities for activities between the mainland and Hong Kong with respect to trade, investment and cultural development. The implementation of the policy will not only benefit Hong Kong citizens, but also promote the development of Hong Kong in different aspects. (4 marks)