Explainer | Who is Macau election hopeful Sam Hou-fai, and will lack of ‘vested interests’ prove pivotal?
Former top judge does not fit mould of previous picks, with some questioning ability to steer casino hub at highest level of politics
If no challengers emerge, as has been the case in most of the previous polls, the 62-year-old former head of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal will become the first leader to be born outside the city and to lack a business background.
Sam is betting on his 25 years of experience in managing the judiciary and his promise to diversify the city’s casino-dependent economy, a task the previous administration has largely failed to achieve.
While some argue that Sam’s unique background could bring fresh perspectives, others question his ability due to his lack of political experience.
The Post outlines all you need to know about the election hopeful, the coming poll and the tasks facing Macau’s next administration.
1. Who is Sam Hou-fai?
Sam’s judicial background distinguishes him from current Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng and his two predecessors, Edmund Ho Hau-wah and Fernando Chui Sai-on, all of whom came from influential business families with deep roots in Macau.