Sam Hou-fai is expected to unite various sectors, lead Macao to further progress

Central government officials, political figures and prominent community leaders in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions congratulated Sam Hou-fai on Sunday on his election as the Macao SAR’s next chief executive. 

They hailed the former Macao top judge’s victory as the community’s widespread recognition of his capabilities, saying the poll marks the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

Sam, 62, secured 394 votes from members of the 400-strong Macao Election Committee in the city’s six-term chief executive election held at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex.

READ MORE: Macao CE poll hailed as embodiment of 'one country, two systems'

In a congratulatory statement, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said the successful conclusion of the election came as Macao celebrates the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland this year, demonstrating the city’s genuine upholding of “one country, two systems” and its staunch confidence in its development path and achievements in the past 25 years. 

It said Sam’s election has fully manifested Macao society’s wide recognition of his integrity, ability, philosophy and style, as well as the society’s keen aspiration for Macao to scale new heights under the leadership of the new chief executive.

The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region applauded Sam for his win, calling the election “unprecedented and a landmark” as the first important poll held under the city’s newly amended Chief Executive Election Law.

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The election demonstrated the effective implementation of “patriots administering Macao”, the office said, adding that it was held in an open, fair, just, legal, smooth and orderly manner, with various sectors and many residents actively participating and exercising their democratic rights.

Macao’s incumbent chief executive, Ho Iat-seng, said he believes Sam can effectively lead the SAR government and the community in steadily advancing the practice of “one country, two systems” and making further progress in the city’s next phase of development.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu praised Sam as having “remained committed to serving Macao over the years and making immense contributions”.

Citing the two SARs’ close geographical ties, cultural roots, deep bonds, and solid economic and trade relations, Lee said he has every confidence in working closely with Sam to achieve complementary and mutual benefits for Hong Kong and Macao, giving full play to their strengths in meeting the country’s needs, making new and greater contributions to building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

READ MORE: HKMAO: Sam’s election shows wide recognition from Macao society

Chan Meng-kam, head of the Fukien Natives General Association of Macao, said Sam’s election victory reflects the choice of Macao people.

Noting Sam’s efforts to engage with the people and take the pulse of society during the election campaign, he believes the incoming leader can unite various sectors and lead Macao in opening new chapters for its development.

Chan said he hopes the new-term government will adopt a problem-solving-oriented, systematic governance approach in taking care of people’s livelihoods, make every effort to improve the business environment, resolve deep-rooted conflicts and give full play to Macao’s role in the nation’s reform and opening-up.

Members of the Election Committee also have high hopes for Sam in leading Macao to further progress in areas like economic diversification and governance transparency and efficiency, childbearing, and providing care for children, young people and the elderly.

Lee Chong-cheng, who chairs the Macao Federation of Trade Unions, said he expects the incoming government to improve the city’s employment situation and safeguard labor rights.

Vong Kuoc-ieng from the Election Committee’s education sector urged Sam to come up with more initiatives to encourage more births. 

Contact the writers at stushadow@chinadailyhk.com