Macau leader Ho Iat-seng will not run in chief executive election for health reasons
- Chief executive earlier took extended leave between June and July
Ho’s announcement on Wednesday followed his decision to take a rare, extended leave period of 39 days between June and July. The city is set to hold its next leadership contest in October.
Ho is the first Macau chief executive not to seek re-election since the city reverted from Portuguese to Chinese administration in 1999. Both of his predecessors – Edmund Ho Hau-wah and Fernando Chui Sai-on – served two five-year terms.
“I have deep feelings for Macau and have given my utmost efforts to its development,” 67-year-old Ho said.
“However, as my health has not fully recovered, for the long-term development of Macau, I have decided not to participate in the sixth chief executive election.”
He did not specify the nature of his health problems in his statement, but vowed to fully support the election while continuing to contribute to the “one country, two systems” governing principle and the development of the gaming hub.