As the final poll results were announced, triumphant democrats Ng Kuok-cheong and Au Kam-san popped bottles of champagne inside the legislators' tiny office with dozens of supporters. The pair's impressive showing should be a signal to the government to pay more attention to their opinions, said Mr Au, adding that their success at the ballot box did not come from portraying themselves as heroes. 'We won because our demands were relevant to the hopes of voters,' he said. Also celebrating victory were Chan Meng-kam, a powerful Fujianese businessman who is a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Committee, and his running mate. 'We will certainly fulfil our campaign promises,' said a joyful Mr Chan, who takes pride in his heavy Fujianese accent. Wearing his campaign uniform of a red T-shirt and black vest, hundreds of supporters gathered at the Fujianese association headquarters to celebrate yesterday morning, shortly after the results were announced. Mr Chan, who was endorsed by other leaders of the Fujianese community, owns the Golden Dragon Casino, the Global International Tour Operating Agency and Golden Dragon Electrical Appliances. Entering Legco was no surprise to his running mate Ung Choi-kun, a property developer who has a stake in the Golden Dragon Casino, and owns saunas, restaurants and garment factories. 'After all, this is the third time we tried,' Mr Ung said, referring to the pair's fruitless bids for election in the 1996 and 2001 polls. Another winner, Fong Chi- keong - head of the Macau Real Estate Association and the developer who built the Flower City housing estate on Taipa - took a risk by running for direct election. Four years ago, he entered the Legislative Assembly uncontested in a functional constituency. He admitted it took more effort dealing with voters face to face. 'For a businessman, dealing with politics is a different thing,' he told supporters yesterday morning. 'What made it more difficult were my strong competitors.' Mr Fong owns a small stake in a VIP room at a Sociedade de Jogos de Macau casino, but is not considered a representative of gaming interests.
