Establishing a lasting legacy is a key motive of public officials. Politicians are widely perceived to lose significance upon leaving office, yet media often highlight politicians’ legacies as a source of influence that endures even after they retire. Fernando Chui Sai On, Macau’s outgoing chief executive, is leaving a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity.
Chui, who holds a PhD from the University of Oklahoma, started his post of chief executive as a highly qualified candidate. Based on a long career in the local administration he knew the government system well, which included a term as policy secretary for Social and Cultural Affairs between 1999 and 2009.
He became the head of government of the Macau Special Administrative Region in December 2009 and accomplished his mentoring role in the local government up to this day. His legacy is the success story of the “new Macau”. His governance involved major social reforms. For instance, he campaigned for urban renewal, public housing, women’s rights, education reform and economic development.
