Diversify economy and tackle livelihood issues, Xi Jinping tells Macau’s next leader

Sam Hou-fai says talk with Xi showed Chinese president’s solid understanding of city’s challenges, including healthcare and urban renewal

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Sam Hou Fai, who will become Macau’s next leader in December. Photo: EPA-EFE/Xinhua

Published: 10:24pm, 2 Nov 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed Macau’s next leader to adopt a spirit of responsibility, further diversify the gaming hub’s economy, tackle livelihood issues and improve the city’s national security legal regime.

Chief Executive-designate Sam Hou-fai, who shared the words from the country’s leader, also said on Saturday that he planned to finalise his choice of ministers this month, with incumbent officials among those up for consideration.

The former head of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal, who won the backing of 98.5 per cent of eligible voters in the October 13 election, met Xi after accepting the appointment letter from Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.

“This is my first experience of being received by such a powerful central leadership,” Sam told a press conference after he returned to Macau from the three-day trip.

“It reflects the central government’s concern for all citizens of Macau, and is also the most vivid manifestation of President Xi and the central government’s commitment to comprehensively and resolutely implement ‘one country, two systems’ and Macau people administering Macau.”

He said Xi had shown a solid understanding of the city’s challenges during Friday’s meeting, singling out issues such as healthcare, ageing society, childcare, transport and urban renewal.