Sam Hou Fai presented himself last Saturday to the 400 members of the Electoral Commission as the sole candidate. The former president of the Court of Final Appeal had done his homework. Without glancing at his support materials, he fired off data to back up his responses to a wide variety of questions from the members – the vast majority of whom had already chosen him. In a carefully worded speech, often introduced with “if elected” rather than “when,” Sam Hou Fai laid out his plans for the next five years. He is not a candidate of change. There is complete alignment with what has already been established for the region in both local and central five-year plans. These guiding principles safeguard the path and ease the transition of power, but the new government is coming in with a different energy and orders to “accelerate.” Naturally, changing the pace requires finding new formulas for success.
For many of the challenges Macau will face in the next five years, Sam Hou Fai was honest, admitting that he does not yet have clear answers. This was how he addressed the crisis facing local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), for example. The loss of consumer spending to the north is, without a doubt, the biggest problem for the local business fabric. The candidate promised a study – divided by zones – to determine possible solutions. In the meantime, he does not rule out another round of consumption vouchers to prevent the closure of some of these businesses.
On the other hand, he wants to track the progress made in economic diversification, analyzing the contribution of these industries to the economy and society – something that has been requested for some time. Regarding emerging industries, the candidate was very clear: government funds need to be created, existing ones reformed, and synergies with the private sector explored. Sam Hou Fai explains that the diversification companies are not receiving the support the government can offer, and more investment is needed. The government’s hand will be highly visible. As he said himself, if the new industries “depend on the market, it will be very difficult,” and therefore “the government must take on a leading role.”
The way the candidate spoke about public finance management predicts the end of the austerity measures that emerged during the pandemic. However, this does not suggest a return to the excessive spending that Ho Iat Seng worked hard to eliminate. A balance will be struck, which will apparently have a scientific basis. It is imperative that politics listen to academia and various sectors before taking action, as we are talking about a government aiming to boost a small market that struggles to overcome its scale. For this reason, the qualifications desired in local businesses and universities must also be demanded of government officials; otherwise, that leadership will only hinder the market’s development. The “Public Administration reform” – an agenda item shared with his predecessor – must address this issue. Investments must be precise and must be held accountable. Responsibility and transparency in actions are necessary, and we will be closer to this reality if he delivers on what he promised the Legislative Assembly members – strengthening functions and fostering a more constructive relationship.
*Executive Director of PLATAFORMA
