The so-called expatriate community, diminished in both number and relevance, no longer has the social and economic clout nor the political access to uphold the bilingual and multicultural city envisioned in the Chinese autonomy framework that sets Macau apart from the Mainland and positions it as a platform for Lusophone countries. The Macanese, children of the land, lack the networks and geographical and professional reach to fulfill this vision without Lusophone communities—who, in turn, must grow. The protections afforded to the Macanese, within the logic of a Chinese ethnic minority, serve many purposes—but not this one, nor to impress the Han Dynasty. Together, even united, we all fall short of this grand vision.
As Miguel de Senna Fernandes aptly stated in the debate on bilingualism and Macau’s role as a platform, organized by this newspaper (see pages 8-9), the Macau SAR must embrace the Portuguese language as its own. More than just an official language from a legal-constitutional perspective, it is strategic in relations with Lusophone countries and intrinsic to Macau’s identity, rooted in centuries of cultural exchange. Without this, the city’s unique status risks being reduced to a gaming district, swallowed by the Greater Bay Area.
Equally, Calvin Chui’s clarity in the same debate must be recognized. He calls for mutual respect, lamenting the lack thereof when Portuguese individuals cling to the illusion that they do not need to learn Chinese. This awareness is critical, regardless of the fairy tales spun about centuries past—those days will not return. I am part of the generations that perpetuated this mistake; I do not lecture others. But this newspaper exemplifies awareness of this issue in its pursuit of bilingualism—difficult as it is.
The passion for the Motherland, national security, and regional integration dominating the discourse of the new Executive (see pages 5-7) aptly reflects the current political dynamics. This is natural and fits the times that were bound to arrive. However, China, the Macau SAR, Portugal, and all Lusophone countries stand to benefit if they counteract the complacency that could undermine China’s political framework unless we all make it a point to uphold it—in all contexts, be they institutional, business, or personal. This includes—and should begin with—the communities rooted in Chinese language and culture. Even if uninterested in bilingualism and Lusophone cultures, they are well aware of the Motherland’s directives to preserve this legacy and feel firsthand the difference it makes in Macau compared to Zhuhai or Guangzhou. If they do not wish to maintain it… they should. For this, they need all those who are different—and must safeguard this diversity.
A political mission does not guarantee the fulfillment of a historical purpose. It is people who preserve and breathe life into culture; economic opportunities fuel it; and popular pressure grounds politicians in reality. In this land, as it is, with its obvious challenges, lies the value of its destiny. It requires wisdom, and political, historical, cultural, and economic awareness—by all and each of us, no matter how vast the debates or how significant the differences may seem. After all, that is Macau’s greatest beauty.
*General Director of PLATAFORMA
