In a Special Administrative Region with its own model — combining different legal, political, and social traditions — press freedom must necessarily be understood and exercised within a balance: institutional maturity from those who define and enforce the rules, and responsibility from journalists. The detention of two *All About Macau* journalists at the entrance of the Legislative Assembly shows that this balance has not been achieved.
On the first day of the presentation of the Policy Address, the *All About Macau* journalists were given blue cards, which limited their access to the plenary chamber. Nevertheless, they were able to work in the plenary without formal restrictions. Even so, they were repeatedly asked to leave, unlike others in the same situation. The next day, they were denied entry on the grounds of a lack of cooperation the day before.
The journalists’ conduct — flawed in form but influenced by past events — required an institutional response. However, that response was disproportionate, and everyone should take note of that. The detention of journalists — especially when accompanied by images that quickly go viral — always carries a reputational cost. A simple Google search for “Macau” shows the impact, which goes beyond the media outlet directly affected.
It affects the journalistic ecosystem, public perception of press freedom, and above all, Macau’s image as a place where institutions engage with civil society openly and constructively.
This is not about taking sides. It is about recognizing that journalism plays a central role in an informed society, and that the limits to its operation must be clear, proportionate, and transparent. If there are rules for access to the Legislative Assembly, they must be applied consistently and fairly. If there are behaviors that need to be reviewed, let them be reviewed without drama or polarization.
Macau must affirm itself as a meeting point — not just between cultures and economies, but also between ideas and principles. That requires more than simply following the letter of the law. It requires a spirit of openness, proportionality in responses, and a constant willingness to listen.
No journalist or media outlet is an island, and every action inevitably generates a reaction — not targeted at a single party, but at all.
Above all, this moment should be seen as an invitation to reflect and to engage in dialogue. I don’t have closed solutions to complex issues like the balance between press freedom and the functioning of institutions. But I am, as we all should be, ready for debate. I know how both sides operate — and perhaps for that reason, I insist that it is essential for all parties — government, journalists, and civil society — to sit down at the table with a sense of responsibility. Only then can we build lasting consensus.
*Editor-in-chief of PLATAFORMA.
