From Judiciary to Leadership: Sam Hou Fai’s surprising rise in politics

The campaign and subsequent election of Sam Hou Fai as the sixth Chief Executive (CE) of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) are significant milestones for the year 2024.

Relatively unknown to a large portion of the population, as he admitted during the launch of his official campaign, Sam’s candidacy came as a surprise to many residents. For the first 25 years of the MSAR, well-known figures from the business sector had typically been promoted to the top position.

Sam, who comes from the judiciary, having previously served as the president of the Court of Final Appeal, emphasized that his reserved lifestyle and limited public appearances could work to his advantage. He argued that his detachment from public life, combined with his previous roles, would contribute to his impartiality and independence.

Notably, after 25 years since Macau’s handover from Portuguese to Chinese administration, the MSAR has elected its first CE fluent in both official languages. Additionally, Sam is the first CE to come from mainland China (he is a native of Zhongshan City in Guangdong Province) rather than from one of Macau’s traditional local families.

In response to criticism regarding his lack of local roots, Sam said he moved to Macau in 1986, nearly 40 years ago, and has since built a family in Macau, now including not only his children but also his grandchildren, all born in the city. He argued that with three generations of his family living in Macau, he feels more “local” than many who were born and raised there.

During his brief political campaign, Sam held just one public hearing, a decision he justified by the limited time available for campaigning. He announced his candidacy Aug. 29, and the election took place on Oct. 13—exactly 45 days later. At the time, Sam said he preferred to use the little available time to engage with different sectors of society through representatives, such as associations and sector groups, rather than holding public events.

Sam’s political platform did not introduce many surprises, largely continuing the policies laid out by his predecessor, Ho Iat Seng, while incorporating updates and adjustments aligned with Beijing’s latest initiatives and the Central government’s vision for Macau’s future development.

In this context, the ongoing commitment to diversify the economy away from reliance on the gaming industry remains the priority for the five years marking the second half of the 50-year agreement following Macau’s handover. Sam’s political platform mainly focused on the diversification of the local economy by reducing dependence on the gaming sector and boosting other industries in line with the “1+4” development strategy. This strategy aims to position Macau as a “One Center” for integrated tourism and leisure, while also fostering the development of four emerging industries: “Big Health,” modern financial services, high and new technology, and convention and exhibition, sports and commercial trade.

Despite frequent references to these goals in his political platform launch, campaign, post-election speeches, and elsewhere, Sam has yet to present a concrete plan outlining the measures and strategies his government will employ to achieve these objectives. Further clarification on these matters is expected in March or April when Sam will deliver, for the first time, a policy address at the Legislative Assembly for his first year in office.

For now, Sam has pledged to “unite and lead all sectors of Macau society, under the vision of ‘Striving Together, Upholding Integrity, and Innovating,’” the guiding principles of his platform.

Smooth cabinet  transition

Recently unveiled, Sam’s cabinet appears to reflect a strategy of continuity and adjustment rather than any disruptive changes or sudden transformations.

Among the ten appointed officials in his administration, there are few new faces. The Secretaries for Administration and Justice, André Cheong, and for Security, Wong Sio Chak, both retain their positions. Raymond Tam, previously the director of the Environmental Protection Bureau and former president of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), has been promoted to Secretary for Transport and Public Works. O Lam, the former vice president of IAM and ex-Chief of Office to the former CE, Chui Sai On, has been appointed Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture.

Another key position carried over from the previous government is that of Leong Man Cheong, who will continue as the Commissioner General of the Unitary Police Service.

Adriano Marques Ho, the former director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, remains in the administration but has been reassigned as the new director-General of the Macao Customs Service. Likewise, Elsie Ao Ieong, former Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, will now take on the role of Commissioner of Audit.

Chan Tsz King, who had served as Commissioner Against Corruption, is another official making a leap—he will now assume the role of Public Prosecutor-General.

Perhaps the most notable shift from the previous administration is the change in the Secretariat of Economy and Finance. Sam has opted not to retain the politically embattled Lei Wai Nong, instead promoting Tai Kin Ip, the former head of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, to the role.

During the announcement of the new officials, Sam said he had chosen “seasoned officials” with a “wealth of experience in administration and familiarity with internal procedures,” as well as individuals who are “patriotic.”