Briefs | Lawmaker calls for Alibaba agreement explanation

Lawmaker Ng Kuok Cheong called for the government to reveal details regarding its ‘smart city’ development agreement with Alibaba. In his written inquiries to the government, Ng pointed out that the government did not organize a public tender for Macau’s smart city strategy cooperation. He claimed the agreement was a political decision and that the Chief Executive had overlooked common administrative procedures. Ng urged the government to reveal all costs involved in the agreement, including construction projects, software purchases, and designing. Ng said the government should examine and adhere to all public tender procedures related to the Alibaba deal and take measures to control costs related to the projects under the agreement, so as to avoid significant cost overruns.

Sands China: No comment on ‘London theme’ report

London is reportedly the next source of inspiration for Sands Cotai Central, which will feature replicas of the city’s iconic landmarks at its four towers. In Macau, the premises are home to several international hotel brands. As reported by Business Daily this week, an anonymous Sands China source said the four towers will feature outdoor displays of celebrated sites in London, yet did not confirm whether replicas of Big Ben or Buckingham Palace would be built. The unnamed source added that the hotels would change their interiors to mimic a London ambience, adding that the iconic double-decker buses are also part of the plans. “The decision is done, it’s now just a matter of starting to work on it,” the anonymous source said. The Times contacted Sands China, but the company did not confirm or deny the report. “Sands China Ltd. has no comment regarding speculation about changes to Sands Cotai Central,” a representative of the company said.