Macao’s former top judge is chosen as the Chinese casino hub’s first leader born in mainland China

Associated Press

MACAO (AP) — Macao’s former top judge has been chosen the Chinese casino hub’s next leader. Sam Hou Fai will become the city’s first chief executive born in mainland China. He was the sole candidate and almost the entire election committee stacked with Beijing loyalists — 394 of 398 — voted for him Sunday. It’s a departure from the custom of chief executives born in the former Portuguese colony, typically from influential business families. Analysts say the shift in the city’s leadership to someone from the legal profession is likely to create expectations of a declining influence from business circles. They anticipate Beijing’s policy agenda for the city will take priority.