Sweeping changes for Macau Chief Executive Fernando Chui's second term
Chief executive replaces all top officials in move seen as a response to growing crises in Macau - and as a message from Beijing to Hong Kong
Macau Chief Executive Dr Fernando Chui sai-on has named an all-new team of top officials for his crucial second term as city leader in what is being seen as the most significant political shake-up since the former Portuguese enclave returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1999.
Chui - faced with shrinking casino revenues, slumping GDP growth and growing grass-roots calls for social and political change - rung the changes yesterday by replacing all five policy secretaries, most of whom he inherited from his predecessor Edmund Ho Hau-wah.
The chief executive also appointed a new anti-corruption chief, just 18 days before President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive to lead celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the handover. Xi's "tigers and flies" anti-graft drive has been seen as key to the slowdown in Macau's casino-driven economy.
The reshuffle and the appointment of two officials closely involved in recent moves to stymie the city's nascent pro-democracy movement also sparked speculation that Beijing was sending a message to Hong Kong that it was running out of patience over the Occupy turmoil. The central government has the final say on all appointments.
The new policy secretaries are expected to take their oath of allegiance before Xi on December 19.
"It's a big change in the leadership of the next government, which is surprising. It shows that Chui wants to change government practices and policies," said Eilo Yu Wing-yat, a University of Macau public administration scholar.
A well-placed source with ties to the government said: "If the situation in Hong Kong wasn't as it is … we might have seen a slightly different team emerge. This is a landmark moment for Macau as the 15th anniversary approaches, but it also sends a clear message to Hong Kong."