It's time for Sam to reveal card in Macau political sweepstakes

Michael Shum

Sam Hou-fai, the former president of Macau's Court of Final Appeal, will officially announce his intention to run for Chief Executive in a press conference today on the eve of the start of the nomination period.

The 62-year-old resigned from the job Monday and is expected to throw his hat in the ring during a press conference at the Macao Science Center convention hall at 11am today.

To be eligible for the October 13 election, Sam must acquire 66 nominations from the gaming hub's 400-strong Election Committee before September 12.

Sam's only other potential rival is businessman Jorge Chiang, who announced his intention to run on July 10, but pundits widely expect him to fall short of the endorsements needed to join the race.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant for the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said Sam's reputation as an experienced judge could help Macau's anti-corruption efforts.

"The central government might have seen something in him: the ability to be fair and just, without being caught in any family interests, but still be familiar with the overall situation in Macau," Lau said.

Unlike the first three chief executives, Sam does not have any business background, but Lau expects him to do just fine if he is elected.

"Although Sam might have relatively few connections, he should not have too much trouble solving problems with Beijing providing tremendous support," he added.

Analyst and veteran political commentator Sonny Lo Shiu-hing told online media outlet Macao News that Sam will gain enough support to enter the race due to his renown in the judicial system after serving as chief justice for 25 years since the 1999 handover.

He also said Sam's chances of winning the election are good.

"He will be a hard contender [to beat] for the position of the chief executive," Lo said.

Sam has been tapped to be the likely candidate to succeed incumbent Ho Iat-seng. The 67-year-old Chief Executive announced last week that he would not be seeking a second five-year term due to health issues, making him the first Macau CE to not seek re-election since 1999.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com