Lionel Leong
Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong is seeking trilingual and law-savvy talents to succeed outgoing Gaming Inspection and Coordination director (DICJ), Manuel Neves. Meanwhile, deputy head Leong Man Ion is due to take over the helm until a successor emerges.
Following the DICJ head’s unexpected announcement to retire after his mandate ends on November 25, the Secretary was pressed by media yesterday afternoon on the sidelines of a ceremony to name possible candidates to take up the position.
Leong dropped hints that only a candidate well-versed in the law with high language proficiency would be considered, yet stressing that so far he prioritized no one. “We will consider every possible direction based on the requirements of the position,” he said. However, TDM announced yesterday that the chosen candidate would be Paulo Chan (see box).
Asked if Dore Group’s embezzlement was behind Neves’ departure, the Secretary dismissed the allegation. “No, definitely not. As he himself said, he has worked in the public department for 31 years, and he thought it’s time for retirement and his family,” he stated.
In addition, Leong told media that Neves’ departure would not impact the bureau, which he said was “always firmly structured” and under the deputy head’s supervision.
“Following the adjustment in gaming, probably the works that ensue have to be done cautiously to respond to social demand,” he conceded, while stressing it would be fine.
The secretary also added that the current regulation would prevent the outgoing director from working for gaming companies six months after his resignation.
tdm: paulo martins chan is new dicj head
Prosecutor Paulo Martins Chan will be the new Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau director, according to TDM. He will replace Manuel Neves, who will end his tenure on November 25. With vast experience at the Public Prosecutions Office (MP), Martins Chan is reported to have been hired because of his legal knowledge which is considered relevant because of the upcoming gaming operators’ concessions renewals. With a law degree from the University of Macau – where he later became a part-time lecturer – Paulo Chan was one of the first magistrates of the newly created Macau Special Administrative Region, having been appointed to the position on December 20, 1999.
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