Mutual Help Grassroots loses legislative seat; Wong ‘focuses’ on gaining experience

The leader of the “Mutual Help Grassroots” group, whose bid for a spot in this year’s Legislative Assembly direct election fell short, held a press conference yesterday to voice frustration over being detained by police and anti-corruption authorities for failing to submit his group’s nomination papers on time.

He insisted that his involvement was solely for the purpose of gaining experience, rather than securing a seat.

Wong Wai Man, the group’s leader, once again addressed the media regarding recent allegations of operating an illegal mahjong parlor and vote-buying.

He presented evidence, including the facilities of his association in the Areia Preta district and every document he had signed in recent days at the Judiciary Police (PJ), the Public Prosecutions Office (MP), and the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC), to emphasize that his association has not received any government funding since 2014, with all operational expenses covered by member contributions.

The association’s premises feature mahjong tables for recreational use, clearly marked with signage prohibiting gambling, along with a “charity box” for members to make voluntary donations if they choose, he claimed.

According to Wong, he was arrested by the police last Wednesday and subsequently transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office and then to the CCAC.

He remained out of public view until Monday, when he reemerged in Povoação de Sam Ka in Taipa to perform a dangerous stunt.

Last Wednesday, the PJ referred Wong to the MP on suspicion of illegally operating a mahjong parlor.

Authorities reported that the illegal establishment, located in a ground-floor shop, had been in operation for at least three months, during which the operator allegedly collected over MOP8,800 in “commission fees.”

During the operation, authorities discovered 11 electric mahjong tables on-site, with two in use and eight individuals engaged in gambling. Additionally, the CCAC announced on Friday that it is investigating a vote-buying case involving at least five individuals suspected of offering money or other benefits to secure sufficient nominations for this year’s Legislative Assembly elections. This case has also been referred to prosecutors.

“On that day, I realized someone was following me. I felt cornered by the CCAC, leaving me with no choice. So, I climbed onto the metal roof, feeling there was no other option, and ultimately faced an unjust end,” he explained, referring to his previous suicide attempt.

He recounted that after completing the investigation into the bribery case at the MP, he left the premises, only to be pursued by CCAC personnel who demanded he sign additional documents. To avoid being taken away again, as he had been previously when forced to sign documents shortly after leaving the office, he hailed a taxi and headed to Povoação de Sam Ka. With no other options left, he resorted to jumping from the roof.

Reportedly, as early as Wednesday, Wong appeared at the CCAC headquarters and denied the allegations of vote-buying against him. He defended himself, stating: “I have no money and no power. How could I possibly bribe voters?” He claimed that even those who supported him and signed the nomination forms were unfamiliar to him, and some signatures were handed over by strangers as a gesture of support. On the first day of his resumed nomination campaign, he received about 60 signatures, but the police seized the nomination forms at that time, and their whereabouts remain unknown.

Regarding his arrest, he directly accused the police of “luring and coercing” him.

“In the early morning hours of [June 11], I was sleeping in a room at the association’s office when the police entered and demanded that I, still half-asleep, sign a document regarding detention and search.”

When asked whether his experience supports the claim that ordinary citizens are unable to participate in electoral activities, Wong stated that the first step is to establish relevant laws to improve people’s livelihoods and facilitate civic engagement. However, he stressed that the primary focus should be on “learning.”

“This is not the main point. I hope to learn more through this process and gain a better understanding of the electoral system. I believe that if the government needs me, I can participate daily. During election periods, I do not necessarily need to become a councilor; I want to use this process to learn new things and improve myself,” he said.

He further pointed out that current regulations are unfair to those in difficult circumstances, particularly due to the significant influence of organizations like conglomerates, including the Women’s General Association of Macau and the Macau General Union of Neighborhood Associations, whose policies often favor their interests.

“Although my personal opinions are limited, I have no opportunity to express them. Both the government and netizens have mentioned laws and regulations, and I am currently studying them. Does this mean I must take action?” Wong said.

When asked if he would pursue legal action to challenge the nomination process, Wong did not directly respond.

Instead, he noted that many aspects of society require mutual respect and tolerance, while expressing concern over the government’s handling of the situation: “I am not overly eager to become a lawmaker; I just want to learn more about the process. I am not insisting on running for office, but I feel that the PJ’s handling was inappropriate.”