Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), said here on late Thursday that his government has confidence in the majority of the public servants.

Ho met with officials at all levels informing them of the detention of Ao Man Long, secretary for Transport and Public Works.

Ao has been detained by the Commission Against Corruption for allegedly being involved in corruption cases.

The chief executive told the officials that the central government has given a nod to the removal of Ao Man Long from official duties.

The image of the MSAR government and the morale of the public servants could be affected, said Ho. However, the detention of Ao also demonstrated the government's resolution in the pursuit of a clean society.

He urged the officials to behave honestly in performing their official duties and continue to give all efforts in their positions to serve the public.

Ho also demanded them stay away from hearsay and be confident in the judiciary's capability to make a just judgment.

The chief executive said Ao had administered over many areas and was involved in many public affairs.

However, he believed that officials in those areas could proceed well with their work.

He stressed that the policy of his government had integrity and continuity and would not be affected by a particular incident.

He reiterated that the government will maintain the pace in reform.

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)