Macao Yearbook 2011

Macao Yearbook 2011
Macao; while the Honorific Title-Merit is awarded to Macao residents who have made similar
contributions.
The award of decorations and merit certificates is the exclusive prerogative of the Chief Executive,
who may exercise this authority under the following conditions: 1. They are made of his or her own
accord; 2. They are made at the recommendation of Government secretaries; 3. They are made at
the recommendation of other principal officials; or 4. They are made at the recommendation of the
Decoration Awards Committee.
The Decoration Awards Committee consists of a maximum of seven members. They are officially
appointed by the Chief Executive. Their term of office is four years, and they may serve consecutive
terms. Its chairperson is elected by and from among the members.
The by-law also stipulates the methods for presenting an award. Decorations and Certificates
are awarded by administrative orders, and the Chief Executive or a principal official explicitly
authorised by him or her officiates at the presentation ceremony. Certificates of Merit or certificates
accompanying decorations are signed by the Chief Executive and stamped with the steel seal of
the MSAR for certification purposes.
On 19 December 2001, Chief Executive Edmund Ho signed an administrative order to award
decorations and certificates to 39 individuals and entities. This was the first group of individuals
and entities to receive such decorations and certificates since the establishment of the MSAR. The
award ceremony was held on 1 February 2002. By the end of 2010, the Chief Executive had awarded
annual decorations and certificates to 10 groups of individuals and organisations.
Flag and Emblem of the MSAR
The flag of the MSAR has identical patterns and colours on both sides, with the five stars, lotus
flower, bridge and seawater design on the front and back. The rectangular flag has a green background
and a 3:2 length-height ratio. A white, three-petal lotus flower is in the centre of the flag.
The Flag of the MSAR
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