The Hong Kong government recently announced all residents and new arrivals aged 18 or older would receive HK$5,000 (US$650) in digital vouchers . The Macau government, in contrast, does not seem inclined to expand its relief measures. The government has said the scheme to put 7,000 patacas (US$875) directly into each eligible resident’s Central Provident Fund account will not be continued in 2021. Many people in Macau, the elderly in particular, have criticised the government for its frugal approach, saying it is biased against the retired and the unemployed. “A cash subsidy of 15,000 patacas merely for full-time and part-time employees is very inequitable because those who are jobless are excluded from the package. Also, my husband and I this year will receive 14,000 patacas less in cash because of the suspension of deposits in the Central Provident Fund,” I overheard one retired old lady saying. The complaint is partly justified. However, although public resources are not well-balanced, we cannot complain to the government about unequal distribution. The welfare we receive every year is not necessary for all. We are never satisfied with what we already have. The government is not obliged to provide its citizens with any type of economic support , even in difficult times such as during the pandemic. In fact, the authorities should think twice before adopting any relief policy, evaluating whether it is contrary to the wishes of most people. Any measure that could cause division between people must be avoided. Having dealt with the coronavirus and being confined to the city for more than a year, many people are suffering from physical and mental problems . To minimise the difficulties stemming from the pandemic, the government must put itself in the people’s shoes and prudently implement effective policies conducive to the whole of society, especially for those who live a life of extreme misery. Barnaby Ieong, Macau
