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Beijing confirms Chui as Macao's new chief

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-10 14:00

BEIJING: China's State Council, or Cabinet, agreed Monday to appoint Chui Sai On as the new chief executive (CE) of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Chui's tenure will last for five years from December 20, according to a Cabinet meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, who signed a State Council order on the appointment.

Chui Sai On, the only contender in the race to become the third chief executive election of the Macao SAR, was declared the winner of the election on July 26.

Macau Chief Executive Chui Sai On speaks after winning Macau's chief executive election in Macau July 26, 2009. [Agencies]

Wen told the meeting that the election was completely in line with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR of the People's Republic of China and the SAR's regional law.

"It reflects an open and just principle," Wen said, adding Chui's win by a clear majority showed he was "widely recognized and supported by Macao people from all walks life."

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Wen said that since the region returned to the Chinese rule in 1999, Chui had served as secretary for social and cultural affairs of the SAR and was "an important member of Macao's governance team."

Chui had "firmly supported Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah" and had made achievements in his field, accumulating abundant administrative experience and leadership capabilities, Wen said.

Chui's election would be conducive to Macao's long-term stability and development, the premier said.

Wen was confident that Chui could lead the SAR government and people to create new conditions for the region's prosperity in his tenure.

The meeting deliberated the SAR government's report on Chui's election and listened to a report on the election process, which was presented by Liao Hui, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

The approval of the State Council is the final process of appointing the chief executive. According to the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, despite winning the election last month, Chui needed the confirmation of Macao's Court of Final Appeal and appointment by China's central government to officially become the SAR's next chief executive.

The Court of Final Appeal of Macao SAR confirmed the ballot result of the third executive election on August 3.

The term of Ho Hau Wah will end on December 19.