Congratulations to Sam Hou-fai for being elected as the next chief executive of Macau. John Lee, the leader of Hong Kong, has praised Sam for his contributions to Macau during his time as the president of the city’s Court of Final Appeal. The election committee, consisting of around 400 pro-establishment electors, unanimously voted in favor of Sam, highlighting his strong leadership qualities.
In his statement, John Lee emphasized the close ties between Hong Kong and Macau, both geographically and culturally. He expressed confidence in working closely with Sam to enhance cooperation between the two regions and leverage their strengths to benefit both cities and contribute to the country’s development.
Sam Hou-fai, a former top judge, will be the first chief executive of Macau with a legal background, breaking the tradition of previous leaders from the business sector. His appointment comes at a challenging time for Macau, as the retail sector has been struggling due to changing consumption patterns and decreased tourism revenue following the pandemic.
During a press conference, Sam pledged to support local businesses facing economic challenges and diversify the city’s economy beyond its reliance on the gaming industry. This aligns with the vision set forth by Xia Baolong, the director of China’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, who emphasized the need for Macau to reduce its dependence on casinos and explore new economic opportunities.
As Sam prepares to take office on December 20, there are high expectations for his leadership in steering Macau towards sustainable economic growth and addressing the city’s social and environmental challenges. His legal background and experience in upholding the rule of law will be valuable assets in guiding Macau through this critical period of transition.
In conclusion, Sam Hou-fai’s election as the chief executive-elect of Macau marks a significant milestone in the city’s governance. With the support of Hong Kong’s leader John Lee and a clear vision for the city’s future, Sam is poised to lead Macau towards a new era of development and prosperity.
