Top officials express sorrow over Lai Man Wa’s death

The memorial service for Lai Man Wa was held at Kiang Wu Hospital Funeral Home

The Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, issued a letter of condolence yesterday to express his deepest sorrow regarding the death of the director general of the Macau Customs Service, Lai Man Wa.
In the letter, Chui said that Lai had been an outstanding member of the government and a good colleague and friend to him. He expressed his condolences as both a representative of the government as well as in a personal capacity.
He said that Lai was widely known for her kindness, sincerity, self-discipline and support for local young talent. He further urged everyone to remember the late official for her love of the country and of Macau.
Lai Man Wa had held the post of deputy director of the Customs Service since the role’s establishment, and in 2014 she was promoted to director of the service. The Chief Executive said that she had made significant contributions in the process of advancing the work of the Customs Service.
Lai’s death has triggered some controversy relating to the apparent suspicious circumstances of the case with the circulation of several rumours. Individuals alleged on social media that the official had not committed suicide but had been killed – possibly as a result of links to the gaming industry or because of internal disputes at the agency.
In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Secretary for Security dismissed the speculations and asserted that no information had been withheld from the public. Lai Man Wa’s funeral will be held today.

Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, led representatives of police forces to pay their last respects to the Customs Service chief