Macau prospers while Hong Kong flounders

當香港社會正為連場政治風波鬧得不可開交之際，澳門政府又宣布推出連串惠民措施，贏得一片喝采。兩個特區一治一亂，一喜一憂，恰成鮮明對比。

澳門特首崔世安發表「以人為本」為主題的新一年度施政報告，宣布向每名永久居民派發九千元，非永久居民派發五千四百元。相較之下，港府年前不情不願地派了一次錢，結果亂七八糟，無以為繼，兩者簡直不可相提並論。同樣是特別行政區，同樣實行一國兩制，只因一水之隔，發展南轅北轍，一邊順順利利，一邊吵吵鬧鬧，一邊笑騎騎，一邊長戚戚，這不正是經典粵語名曲「一水隔天涯」的寫照嗎？

悠悠萬事，民生為大，澳門政府定位清晰，目標正確，社會和諧，政通人和，一心一意發展經濟及民生，自然無往而不利。反觀港府施政如盲頭蒼蠅，亂碰亂撞，加上社會高度政治化，整天內鬥內耗，幾乎沒有片刻安寧，不亂才怪。這兩個城市都被視為紙醉金迷，不同的是，澳門的紙醉金迷愈來愈有特色，令人看到明天和希望，而香港的紙醉金迷卻逐漸迷失方向，不知何去何從！

When Hong Kong is bogged down in the mire of endless political rows, the Macau government once again gives to its people a basket of sweeteners, welcomed with great acclaim. In terms of governance and people's satisfaction, the two special administrative regions contrast sharply.

Macau's Chief Executive Dr. Fernando Chui Sai-on announced in his new Policy Address that a handout of 9,000 patacas will be given to each permanent resident, and 5,400 patacas to each non-permanent resident. On the contrary, the Hong Kong government reluctantly handed out sweeteners to its residents a couple of years ago, but the result was so messy that the measure has never been repeated. The two governments simply cannot be mentioned in the same breath. Separated only by a river, the two cities are both special administrative regions and both implement “one country, two systems”, yet their developments are poles apart. While one side progresses without a hitch, the other side is constantly kicking up a shindy; while Macanese are always smiling, Hong Kong people are often pulling a long face. Does it not exactly echo the name of the old Cantopop song “A River Divides Two Worlds”?

Amid all the people's concerns, livelihood is the biggest. With clear positioning and right targets, the Macau government performs efficiently and its people are at peace. Focusing on economic development and people's well-being, it rules the city smoothly. However, like a bull in a china shop, the Hong Kong government never acts without leaving calamitous consequences. Moreover, our society is so highly politicized that internal strife consumes all energy. Without a moment of peace, it would be surprising if Hong Kong is not mired in chaos. The two cities are both regarded as havens of luxury and dissipation, but are heading in opposite directions. While the glamour and vice of Macau grow increasingly distinctive and people can see hope and future there, those of Hong Kong have gone astray！

重要生字

mention in the same breath 相提並論

poles apart 南轅北轍

luxury and dissipation 紙醉金迷

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