Macau’s only chief executive candidate was a little-known figure in the gaming hub until August when he announced his bid for the job. Sam Hou-fai, former president of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal, aims to become the first chief executive to speak Portuguese and the first to be born in mainland China, reflecting the city’s diverse population.
Although he has garnered support from the legal sector, doubts remain about his ability to form an effective ministerial team due to his lack of experience outside the judiciary. Nevertheless, he is the sole name on the ballot for the election committee’s vote to succeed Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng this Sunday.
Sam’s roots in Macau go back to the 1980s, and his legal studies in Portugal gave him a taste for fine wine. His journey from Iao Hon neighborhood resident to top judge exemplifies his deep ties to the city.