CE insists contract awarded to cousin is aboveboard

Chui Sai Peng

Chief Executive (CE) Chui Sai On has denied allegations that the lack of a public tender for the production of primary education general studies school materials represents a conflict of interest, public broadcaster TDM reported yesterday.
The contract, reportedly worth MOP5.9 million was agreed with the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macau, a local association headed by the CE’s cousin, lawmaker Chui Sai Peng, and published in Monday’s Official Gazette.
The controversy arises from the fact that the decision to award the contract was not preceded by a public tender; a contentious issue in Macau that, according to Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) Commissioner Andre Cheong, contributed to the arrest of former Prosecutor-General Ho Chio Meng in February.
“Macau is a small city, where many of the people I know are the children of the seniors I know,” Chui Sai On told TDM. “Please do not worry; I follow my promise [… that] we would follow the law strictly and try to avoid any conflict of interest. I think this is what we do and what we are supposed to do.”
The CE also stressed that the Education Bureau has followed all relevant regulations and laws in the case and that he, personally, always follows procedures to avoid such conflicts of interest.
Lawmaker Chui Sai Peng said that in his capacity as president of the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology, it is normal to participate in such projects, however his contribution is entirely voluntary.
In a separate case, Chui Sai On’s older brother Chui Sai Cheong has now been appointed as a member of the Public Prosecutions Magistrates Commission, upon recommendation of the Judges Appointments Independent Commission. DB