Agile, dynamic, and dominant; in the Chinese zodiac, the Tiger is a symbol of strength and leadership. It is extremely competitive, enjoys challenges, is determined, and ambitious. But it is also sincere, affectionate, generous, and good-humored; it enjoys celebrations, socializing, is sensual, and seductive. Ultimately, beyond the use of strength, it has various ways to assert itself; it first attempts seduction—it communicates. Sam Hou Fai, the tiger leading this cycle, is in the seduction phase.
He knows how to do it, and he is good at it. The stern face of the former president of the Court of Final Appeal actually hides a smile that humanizes him; he has an easy way of talking and just the right amount of humor. Sam Hou Fai demonstrates a skill that has been standing out in the multiple receptions he has been hosting as part of the political tradition at the end of the Chinese New Year: the languages he speaks. Portuguese is one of Macau’s official languages, and Cantonese is one of China’s languages. He is the one who emphasizes this. But what special significance does that have? He could have delivered his speech in Mandarin as a sign of reverence in the presence of President Xi Jinping. But he chose to speak in Cantonese and clearly enjoys it. This way, he communicates autonomy—Macau’s unique flavor in an increasingly public and notable national dish. In other words, he openly states, without hesitation, that he follows Xi Jinping’s recipe and direction; he displays the power entrusted to him but also understands the strength of local identity.
And he also speaks Portuguese. He did so at the reception for English- and Portuguese-speaking journalists, during meetings with Lusophone delegates, and at gatherings with representatives of the Macanese community. That earns him points. It makes a big difference; 25 years after the transfer of sovereignty, sitting at the table with a Chief Executive who speaks Portuguese, jokes about serious matters, and often reminds people that he is about to share things that cannot be written or repeated outside, is significant. It almost seems like he is about to say something he shouldn’t—but in the end, he doesn’t. Still, it creates a sense of trust. He opens windows that had long been shut, allowing fresh air to circulate.
Macau is a small city with a strong culture of relationships; therefore, it is essential to recognize that the new leadership has come to communicate—something that has not happened since the days of Edmund Ho, and which was sorely missed. This does not necessarily mean that he will be a consensual leader or that his actions will be dictated by what he says or hears. But it does mean that he understands the cycle ahead. Changing one’s path, like a snake shedding its skin, is always a difficult process—it first brings pain before a new world emerges. Communication is an important tool to ease reactions and obstacles. And there is the recent, negative history of an administration that withdrew into itself, with wounds that words can help heal. Sam Hou Fai is addressing this. It is what it is, but it has value.
The response has been positive. The feedback from diplomats and Macanese community leaders (see page 6) suggests that Sam Hou Fai is opening this new governance cycle with an extended period of goodwill. I can personally attest to this, having attended the reception for journalists. Holding a dinner instead of a lunch creates a more relaxed atmosphere, in contrast to the rushed, institutional lunches. Speaking rather than silently focusing on one’s plate is an act of engagement. Speaking in Portuguese might seem like a minor detail, but in this period of rapid transition toward regional integration and increasing alignment with the One Country, One System model, it is, at the very least, refreshing.
This tiger communicates—and that matters. He will wield power; that much is evident in the dynamics of this story and even in his body language. But he will not just do that. Sam Hou Fai knows how to speak.
