Former president of the Macao Court of Final Appeal, Sam Hou-fai, was elected as chief executive-designate of the Macao Special Administrative Region with a high number of votes on Sunday. Congratulations are in order. Sam’s election suggests that the SAR government can unite Macao society more cohesively to work together in addressing the developmental issues it faces, paving the way for a brighter future.

Sam had served as president of Macao’s top court for nearly 25 years, during which time he witnessed significant developments in Macao following its return to China. Remarkably, since announcing his candidacy, he has been engaging tirelessly with various sectors in Macao. As Sam stated after the election, he and his campaign office have communicated with 108 associations and organizations, meeting 2,194 residents. He has made five district visits, gathering feedback from over 2,000 respondents. He has visited community markets and food centers in Yau Hon, the fruit street of San Kio, the elderly center in Inner Harbour, Central Park in Taipa, and the Social and Health Service Building in Seac Pai Van, to connect with grassroots residents and understand their concerns. At a press conference after his election, Sam emotionally mentioned the redevelopment of the old districts of San Kio and Inner Harbour, stating that visiting these communities deeply moved him. He hopes to set an example with the 2,000-plus units in the seven buildings under construction in the Yau Hon Community, demonstrating his earnest desire to improve Macao’s old districts.

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During his campaign, Sam frequently interacted with various sectors, learning about the rapid changes in the business environment for Macao’s small and medium-sized enterprises post-pandemic. Through his district visits, he realized that these enterprises are generally facing challenges, and pledged to vigorously explore solutions after assuming office. Sam also addressed the issue of large numbers of residents traveling north to spend during holidays, noting similarities with economic issues faced by Hong Kong. Despite having held a high position as the president of Macao’s top court, Sam remains approachable and down-to-earth, showing no sense of superiority despite his legal elite status. Instead, he has made efforts to understand the difficulties faced by different sectors in Macao. This is corroborated by the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO), which acknowledged in a statement after Sam’s election: Many Macao residents noted that Sam Hou-fai was diligent on his district visits, and was close to the residents; they believe that “people-first” will be emphasized in his future policies.

Sam’s performance during the campaign indicates he is not only sincere but also adept at uniting different sectors. As the HKMAO noted, many commentators have pointed out that Sam has demonstrated his desire to unite the whole of society, and he aims to build effective communications between the government and residents, so that he can lead Macao society to advance the SAR’s development.

Sam has demonstrated an international vision for Macao’s development. In a post-election press conference, he stated that with the support of the nation, Macao can better collaborate with eight Portuguese-speaking countries, a market of 260 million people, in finance, tourism and high-technology. His proficiency in Portuguese  will prove a boon to tapping business opportunities in Portuguese-speaking markets.

Unlike Western-style democracy, Macao is free from the constraints caused by a weak executive branch and an overpowering legislative branch. The Macao SAR maintains an executive-led system with the three branches of power cooperating with each other. This governing system under “one country, two systems” allows the executive branch to govern efficiently and avoid gridlock. This is in stark contrast to the experience of the Hong Kong SAR, where, before the enactment of national security laws and a revamp of the election system, the opposition camp freely and wantonly exploited the legal loopholes to create disputes and undermine the SAR’s governance.

For example, about 10 years ago, when then-chief executive Leung Chun-ying attempted to establish the Cultural Bureau and the Innovation and Technology Bureau as per his election manifesto, the opposition camp’s unreasonable obstruction prevented the establishment of the Cultural Bureau and delayed the establishment of the Innovation and Technology Bureau by almost three years. Such political maneuvers sacrificed Hong Kong’s development simply to advance the opposition’s political agenda.

Sam, having served as a judge, and having presided over significant cases, fully understands the unique characteristics of Macao’s political system. During his judicial tenure, the Macao judiciary did not arbitrarily issue injunctions that could be used to challenge the SAR government’s governance. His professional background, free from vested interests, will allow him to objectively drive reforms and promote appropriate economic diversification for Macao. Sam stands not for entrenched interests, but for the overall benefit of Macao, with a focus on how to improve Macao under the “one country, two systems” framework. As he stated during his campaign: “The fundamental motivation for running is derived from the call of the times to fully and accurately uphold the ‘one country, two systems’ policy, promoting the growth of national strength and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; it stems from the strong mission in this new era and the journey to safeguard Macao’s long-term prosperity and stability, showcasing Macao’s new responsibilities and achievements; and it arises from the sincere wish to create a better future for Macao, enabling residents to enjoy a better life.”

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Congratulations to Sam Hou-fai on his election, and the writer looks forward to a brighter future for Macao.

The author is a former information coordinator of the HKSAR government and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.