Macao's CE candidate outlines his objectives

Sam Hou-fai, the sole candidate in Macao's upcoming chief executive election, has pledged to improve the lives of residents and uphold the "one country, two systems" principle.

The 62-year-old former president of Macao's Court of Final Appeal outlined his policy platform on Saturday.

Sam, who will be considered for the city's leadership role by the Chief Executive Election Committee on Oct 13, emphasized the importance of efficient governance and leveraging Macao's unique position to foster ties between China and Portuguese-speaking regions.

"I will do my utmost to meet the aspirations of Macao's residents for a better life," Sam said, stressing that the core of his governance would be strict adherence to the "one country, two systems "principle.

In his policy platform, Sam pledged to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests while driving Macao's economic diversification and further integrating the city into national development plans. He outlined plans to improve governance, administrative efficiency and transparency while committing to a mechanism for ongoing dialogue with the public.

Sam also vowed to protect the customs and rights of residents of Portuguese descent, a group with deep historical roots in the city.

Key initiatives include accelerating economic diversification, bolstering education and technology, and enhancing Macao's role as a commercial platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. He proposed setting up government-held companies to promote technology transfers and innovation between Macao and lusophone nations.

He also highlighted plans to boost Macao's innovation sector, apply for more national scientific funds and attract high-tech talent. He emphasized the importance of national research collaboration and announced plans to increase subsidies for Macao's national-level laboratories.

Sam's platform also addressed pressing local concerns such as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting the healthy development of the gaming industry and positioning Macao as an international tourism and leisure hub.

Election committee members praised Sam's clear responses during the policy session. Kevin Ho King-lun, a committee member and deputy to the National People's Congress, said many of Sam's proposals would tackle Macao's challenges.

Lawmaker Jose Pereira Coutinho commended Sam's commitment to improving executive-legislative communication, viewing it as a vital step in addressing socioeconomic issues.

Sam is the only eligible candidate in the race, having secured over 95 percent of the election committee's nominations. Born in 1962 in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, he relocated to Macao in the 1980s and was among the city's first group of judicial auditors in 1995. He served as president of the Court of Final Appeal for nearly 25 years before stepping down in August.