Expectations regarding future interaction between the Executive and the Legislature, given the new President’s extensive experience, are unanimous: André Cheong is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the two powers and help solve social problems more effectively. In his inaugural address, this idea was made even clearer: “Under the principle of the primacy of the Executive, the new Assembly will seek to strengthen constructive interaction with the Government, aiming to improve communication in legislative planning, law drafting, and policy discussion, thereby enhancing legislative efficiency and supporting more effective and lawful governance.”
“The eighth legislature will closely follow the Government’s legislative plan, focusing efforts on revising laws related to strengthening the legal system for safeguarding national security, improving living conditions and the business environment, promoting economic diversification, deepening coordination with the Zone for Deepened Cooperation, and advancing public administration reform,” said André Cheong.
Lawmaker Leong Sun Iok hopes that the new legislature, through “mutual trust and cooperation” between the Government and the Legislative Assembly, will maintain effective communication—from lawmaking to social policy—strengthening collaboration to resolve “the structural contradictions that affect the population’s well-being.”
André Cheong was elected unanimously, “which demonstrates the lawmakers’ recognition of his abilities. In the future, we will review several laws under André Cheong’s leadership. I believe the quality and efficiency of legislative work can be strengthened. I hope the Legislative Assembly gains new momentum. With more young lawmakers, this transition may help address social problems,” Leong told PLATAFORMA.
“The communication between the Legislative and Executive branches has always been smooth,” he added, noting that the presence of someone with André Cheong’s experience—given his understanding of policies and concrete cases—will enable the Assembly to resolve social issues more effectively.
Another lawmaker, Lei Leong Wong, noted that André Cheong, as a former spokesperson of the Executive Council, former director of the Legal Affairs Bureau, and head of the Commission Against Corruption, “is well acquainted with the communication processes before, during, and after legislative procedures.” This ability, he said, will help increase the Legislative Assembly’s efficiency, particularly in building the legal foundation essential for Macao’s long-term development. Ho Ion Sang was also elected vice-president, Si Ka Lon as first secretary, and Lei Cheng I as second secretary.
Government laws “more mature”
In response to the perception that lawmakers’ legislative initiative has been weakened by the Executive’s dominance—since nearly all draft laws are submitted by the Government—lawmaker Leong Sun Iok explained that existing legislation has not altered that right. However, in practice, Government proposals have become predominant because they are “better prepared.” Reflecting on “past experience,” he said, “Government proposals result in more mature laws, as they have specialized teams and legal consultants.”
For his part, lawmaker Lei Leong Wong, though not directly addressing the issue, interpreted André Cheong’s entry into the Legislative Assembly as a sign of the Government’s intention to strengthen the Assembly’s legal dimension and improve coordination between the two powers. “I view this development optimistically. I hope communication will become even smoother,” he concluded.
The newly elected Legislative Assembly presents a younger and more professional profile, with a lower average age and the inclusion of representatives from various sectors. Lawmaker Chan Lai Kei, aged 37—the youngest in this legislature and elected by direct vote—emphasized that the elections were held under the principle of “Macao governed by patriots,” asserting that legislative action should be guided by social progress: “According to this principle, the goal of legislation should be to promote more efficient governance and increase citizens’ sense of happiness.”
Leong Sun Iok also stated that the elections represented the full implementation of the principle of “Macao governed by patriots,” adding that “based on this spirit, society will be able to address its problems in a more rational, objective, and pragmatic way.”
