ExCo to face overhaul, speculate lawmakers

Lawmakers Pereira Coutinho and Sulu Sou expect an overhaul of the Executive Council when the new Chief Executive enters office, reported local Chinese newspaper Cheng Pou.

The expectation is based on the fact that the current members of the Council are to be awarded by the Macau Special Administrative Government.

Last week, the government announced the Decorations, Medals and Certificates of Merit awarded for 2019 by the Macau SAR. They are being given to 44 individuals and organizations in recognition of their achievements, outstanding contributions and distinguished service respectively.

Seven recipients of the awards are Executive Council members. According to Coutinho, this implies “mission accomplished.” It offers the next Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, a mandate to replace all the members of the Council.

The two individuals who were awarded the Decoration of Honour – Golden Lotus are Liu Chak Wan, member of the Executive Council and of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and chancellor of the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST); and Ma Iao Lai, a politician, member of the CPPCC and of the Executive Council, and vice president of the Macao Chamber of Commerce.

Executive Council members Leonel Alves, Cheang Chi Keong, Ho Sut Heng, Eddie Wong Yue Kai, and Chan Chak Mo were the five people awarded a Decoration of Honour – Silver Lotus.

Holding a similar opinion to Coutinho, lawmaker Sulu Sou said he would not be surprised to see the Council overhauled.

The Executive Council operates under strict confidentiality, but Sou pointed out that residents can assess the council members’ performance by the quality of policies, laws, decrees and decisions proposed or issued by the administrative branch.

Sou thinks the public is aware of the administrative quality of the current government. He hopes that the incoming Chief Executive can appoint capable, competent and ethical people into the Council.

Regarding Chui’s renewal of members’ appointments in the various committees, both lawmakers criticized the practice. The most recent renewal was for the Economic Development Council. Coutinho thinks Chui’s renewal or appointment of council members has left his successor, Ho, fewer options in hand. AL