Macau, HK 'united in pressing GBA edge'

Michael Shum

Hong Kong and Macau share a close bond that will not be thrown asunder by a typhoon, as well as challenges including their residents spending in the mainland instead of locally, said the gaming hub's next chief executive, Sam Hou-fai.

Of the 398 members who voted yesterday - out of the 400 election committee members - 396 voted for sole candidate Sam, meaning a 98.5 percent win for the former chief justice. The four others were blank votes.

Speaking after the poll, Sam touched on Macau's relationship with Hong Kong for the first time, saying there have been a lot of personnel, trade and commercial exchanges between the two SARs.

"That fostered a close relationship between Hong Kong and Macau, and not even a typhoon can drift us apart," he said.

"With the two SARs sharing the same constitutional position, we have cooperated with each other and signed a lot of agreements in commerce, tax and legal, which have been executed smoothly, especially the mutual legal assistance agreement."

Sam affirmed that Hong Kong and Macau will exert their own advantage in pushing forward the development of the Greater Bay Area and integrating into the national development.

Hong Kong and Macau also face similar challenges, including the recent uptick of residents opting to splash their cash up north, he said.

"Apart from consumption shifting north, the business environment has changed, especially after the pandemic, as well as a change in consumption and travel patterns by mainland travelers," Sam said.

"The changes have made micro, small and medium-sized enterprises take a hit, so I am encouraging them to change their business model, to see if they can explore online promotions, e-commerce and even update their ideology."

Sam expects their challenges to be a "long-term problem."

He added: "We have to consider how we can support them with policies and find a healthy and sustainable path."

He promised his administration will be a "capable government" that will not become passive due to its capitalist society.

Sam, 62, will take the reins from incumbent Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng, 67, on December 20.

Residents said Sam will "do fine" as a leader, while hoping he can continue handing out cash vouchers.

Resident Chan said: "There is a lot of unemployment. The society lacks upward mobility for teenagers and commodity prices are constantly increasing. I hope Sam can care more about the livelihood of grassroots people, and give out cash vouchers and more old-age allowances.

"It would be best if everyone in Macau gets a job and a home. Many cannot afford a home locally and are living in the mainland. If the government can solve that, consumption will return."

Another citizen, Poon, hopes Sam "can solve the traffic issue and listen to people's opinions in person more."

Bakery owner Leung hopes the government can organize more mega events.

"I am also not worried that Sam will over-regulate the gaming sector and bring down the economy, as he should be aware that the gaming business is the leading sector of the SAR. I don't think he will carry out a large-scale rectification," Leung said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu congratulated Sam, saying, he will "lead Macau to new heights."

Lee added: "I have every confidence in working closely with Sam to achieve complementarity and mutual benefits for Hong Kong and Macau, giving full play to the cities' strengths to serve the country's needs and making new and greater contributions to building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com