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Hu 'knows Macao people's concern'
By Zhang Jin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-12-19 21:49
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MACAO: President Hu Jintao asked about property prices and education during his visit to a local family in Macao on Saturday, a move analysts say reflects the president's good understanding of local people's concerns.
According to Macau Asia Satellite TV, Hu asked the grandfather of a family in Macao's Coloane Island, surnamed Leung, when they bought the flat and how children are educated.
"Hu's questions showed he has a clear knowledge of Macao people's concern," the TV broadcaster quoted a scholar at Macao Polytechnic Institute as saying.
"People are worried about rising housing prices and how the 15-year free education will be implemented," the scholar said.
Macao's property prices more than doubled in recent years, prompting some residents to say they cannot afford to buy a flat. The city has offered 15 years of free education, from kindergarten to high school, since the 2007-08 academic year, an innovation that some parents say needs time to perfect.
Leung was happy about Hu's visit, although it lasted only 10 minutes. Leung said he couldn't believe this because the president, who wrapped up his trip to Central Asia last week, has a very tight schedule in Macao.
Leung is a deputy head of a local school, the TV broadcaster said. But it didn't reveal the name of the school.
The family of six got gifts from the president -- a Barbie doll and a car model for the two grandchildren as well as a TV set to replace the old one of the family.
Hu's last visit to Macao was in 2004, when he visited two local families.
