Family connections are a mixed blessing for Fernando Chui

The prominent family and work background of Fernando Chui Sai-on appears to be a mixed blessing: Beijing is pleased but the Macau public doubts his impartiality.

The former culture minister has nearly everything that Beijing seems to like in a Macau chief executive.

Dr Chui is from one of Macau's few ruling clans, and his late uncle Chui Tak-kei was a staunch Communist Party supporter when Macau was under Portuguese rule.

An influential family background is seen as vital to winning over various interest groups in Macau, where the rule of law often gives way to power and connections.

Gaming mogul Stanley Ho Hung-sun has repeatedly voiced his support for Dr Chui during his bid for the top job.

Adding to Dr Chui's portfolio are his 10 years of ministerial experience, during which he has earned a few feathers in his cap. The achievements of the former secretary for social and cultural affairs include Macau's successful application for UN heritage status for its historic sites, and the city's prevention of a severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003, when it gripped the mainland and Hong Kong.

Born in Macau in January 1957, Dr Chui received his higher education in the United States. He is among the best educated of Macau officials, with a bachelor's degree from California State University and a master's degree and a PhD in public health from the University of Oklahoma.