After winning 394 votes from Macao’s Chief Executive (CE) Election committee on 13 October, Sam Hou Fai became the Special Administrative Region (SAR)’s CE designate. On 25 October, the State Council officially appointed Sam to serve as Macao’s sixth-term CE. The former president of the Court of Final Appeal will start his five-year tenure on 20 December, the same day the SAR celebrates its 25th anniversary.
At the State Council meeting, Premier Li Qiang said that the Central Government will maintain its firm commitment to the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, allowing Macao to be governed by its own people and with a high degree of autonomy.
In the new CE designate’s acceptance speech, he said he was humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve the city he “deeply loves”. Sam promised to lean on the wisdom of Macao’s people, utilising their strength to unite society and improve the livelihoods of everyone who calls the SAR home. Sam added that the love and support of his own family had encouraged him to take on this new role, and he thanked his long-time former colleagues for being at his side throughout his 25 years at Macao’s highest court.
The 62-year-old vowed to listen to public opinion, promote transparency and equip the SAR to flex its unique advantages as a key player within the country’s Greater Bay Area during his tenure as CE.
Sam also promised to fully, accurately and steadfastly implement the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle while safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. As per Macao’s Basic Law, its CE is accountable to both the Central Government and the SAR.
Shortly after the election’s result was announced, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao hailed Sam’s win as “pioneering and emblematic”. The office acknowledged that this was the first election to take place since amendments to the SAR’s CE Election Law took effect, enforcing the principle of patriots governing Macao.
The current CE, Ho Iat Seng, extended his sincere congratulations to Sam, describing his successor as possessing a deep understanding of public sentiment. Ho said that Sam had demonstrated many outstanding qualities that were considered essential for the post of CE by the Central Government, including strong governance capabilities, love for the nation and Macao, and a high level of recognition within Macao society. He expressed confidence that Sam would adhere to the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle while promoting fresh advances for the SAR’s next phase of development.
The CE and CE designate met in person at Government Headquarters the day after the election, and both promised to cooperate to ensure an orderly, well-executed leadership transition in December. Ho said he would issue an order providing the government with all the necessary resources to support and assist Sam as he prepared to form a new administration, for which Sam said he was grateful. Ho assured Sam that the current government would continue to safeguard the stability and development of society as the SAR headed towards its 25th anniversary celebrations.
Hong Kong SAR CE John Lee was also quick to offer a congratulatory message, saying he looked forward to working closely with Sam in the future. Lee said that both SARs were committed to making new and greater contributions to building the country into a great modern state and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
A five-point plan for the future
When Sam unveiled his political platform in late September, he said that his administration would guide Macao through its next five years by “upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground.” Sam outlined five key priorities for his upcoming term during that address.
Economic diversification would be one cornerstone of the new administration, he explained, building on the strong foundations established during the current fifth-term government. While integrated tourism is set to remain the SAR’s economic mainstay under Sam, the former judge stressed the importance of regulating the gaming industry to ensure its healthy development in accordance with the law, while encouraging growth in other sectors.
Public sector reform would be another cornerstone: Sam said he was committed to delivering transparent governance. He promised to further enhance the government’s decision-making capabilities while improving coordination between its executive and legislative branches, and to always uphold judicial independence. He said his administration would be characterised by open lines of communication with all sectors of society.
Sam also reaffirmed that national integration was crucial to Macao’s progress. He said he aimed to see the SAR fully contribute to national development, strengthen its leadership in the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and participate more actively in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also expressed his desire for Macao to play a pivotal role in China’s international relations through its connections with Portuguese-speaking countries and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Education, science, and technology would be focal points, too. Sam said he intended to cultivate local talent while attracting highly qualified professionals from abroad, to ensure Macao’s sustained growth and competitiveness.
Sam’s final priority related to improving Macao residents’ quality of life. He promised to address key concerns around housing, healthcare and employment, building a better environment for everyone.
Who is Sam Hou Fai?
Born in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, in 1962, Sam earned a law degree from Peking University and pursued further studies in Portuguese law and culture at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Sam has lived in Macao for more than half his life, and has been intimately involved in its legal system since the early 1990s.
When Macao was handed over from Portugal to China in 1999, Sam was appointed president of the Court of Final Appeal, the SAR’s highest judicial body. He held that position until late August, when he resigned in order to focus on his candidacy for the role of CE. During his time at the court, Sam also served as president of the Council of Judicial Magistrates and as honorary chairman of the Macao Basic Law Promotional Association.
Sam officially announced his intention to run for CE on 28 August. Throughout his campaign, Sam has consistently emphasised his commitment to building a dynamic and culturally vibrant Macao that’s grounded in the rule of law. He has repeatedly expressed his confidence that, with strong leadership from the Central Government and collective efforts from the community, Macao will continue to thrive under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework.
“Right now, Macao is welcoming the best period of its development,” the CE designate said in his acceptance speech after the election. “Let’s grasp the opportunities and meet the challenges, work hard together and reform. We strive for development and prosperity, and to build our homes in a better way together.”
