Sam Hou Fai announces bid for 6th-term Macao SAR chief executive

MACAO, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — Sam Hou Fai, former president of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal, announced his decision on Wednesday to run for the sixth-term chief executive of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
Sam made the remarks at a press conference where he also delivered his declaration of candidacy. He noted that Macao has, since its return to the motherland, seen a sea change and impressive achievements in the practice of “one country, two systems,” which he said would not have been possible without the long-time strong support by the country and the concerted efforts of the various sectors and residents in Macao.
His decision to run for the election, according to him, is driven by the call of times for the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle to contribute to national rejuvenation, as well as a commitment to Macao’s prosperity, stability, even better future and Macao residents’ well-being.
Sam described his administration philosophy as “to forge ahead together by upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground.” He pledged to fully, faithfully, and resolutely implement the principle of “one country, two systems,” and to fulfill duties in strict accordance with the constitution and the Basic Law.
Born in Zhongshan of South China’s Guangdong Province in May 1962, Sam later moved to Macao, according to information on the Macao SAR government’s website. He joined the first group of Macao’s judicial auditors in 1995, and on Dec. 20, 1999, he was appointed president of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal.
Executive Order No. 44/2024 published on Monday in the official gazette of the SAR, said that at the request of Sam, he was relieved of his duties as president and judge of the Court of Final Appeal, and member of the independent commission for recommending judges of the SAR.
According to the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election of the Macao SAR, the nomination period for candidates will be from Aug. 29 to Sept. 12, and the election for the sixth term chief executive of the Macao SAR will be held on Oct. 13. ■