Macau's commissioner of audit, who has investigated major misspending cases, is set to be the only top official missing out on reappointment when the new government takes over next month.
Fatima Choi Mei-lei, 51, will cease to head the audit commission under Macau's new chief executive, Fernando Chui Sai-on, according to insiders in the Macau government. She would be succeeded by Ho Veng-on, director of the outgoing chief executive's office, said officials familiar with Chui's appointment plan.
Analysts said such arrangements would send the wrong message to the public - that hard-working and responsible officials get punished. 'Choi has done a great job, being responsible to Macau people, and having the guts to offend those in power,' Jose Coutinho, a legislator and head of the Macau Civil Servants Association, said.
Seven other principal officials will stay in their jobs. They are Secretary for Economy and Finance Francis Tam Pak-yuen, Secretary for Administration and Justice Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lau Si-io, Secretary for Security Cheong Kuoc-va, chief prosecutor Ho Chio-meng, head of the Unitary Police Service Jose Proenca Branco and head of the Macau Customs Service Choi Lai-hang, according to the insiders.
Commissioner Against Corruption Cheong U will take the post of secretary for social affairs and culture vacated by Chui, while Fong Man-chong, a judge of the Court of Second Instance, will take Cheong U's post.
Beijing's approval is needed for the appointments of the 10 principal positions. The State Council is studying an appointment list submitted by Chui and may soon approve it.
Choi's achievements include the audit commission uncovering a 1.4-billion pataca overrun for the East Asian Games held in Macau in 2005. Chui, who was then the secretary for social affairs and culture, was chief organiser of the Games.