Diversify the economy and tackle livelihood problems, Xi Jinping tells Macau's next leader

Chinese president Xi Jinping has charged Macau’s next leader to adopt a spirit of responsibility, further diversify the gambling hub’s economy, address livelihood issues and improve the city’s national security legal regime.

President-designate Sam Hou-fai, who shared the words of the country’s leader, also said on Saturday that he planned to finalize his choice of ministers this month, which would also include considering incumbents.

The former head of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal, which won the support of 98.5 percent of voters in the October 13 election, met Xi after accepting Prime Minister Li Qiang’s nomination letter at the Great Hall of the People on Friday Beijing.

“This is my first experience of being received by such strong central leadership,” Sam told a news conference after returning Macau of the three-day trip.

“It reflects the central government’s concern for all citizens of Macau, and is also the most vivid expression of President Xi and the central government’s commitment to ‘one country, two systems’ and the Macau people governing Macau, comprehensively and implement decisively.”

He said Xi had shown a good understanding of the city’s challenges at Friday’s meeting, highlighting issues such as healthcare, aging, childcare, transportation and urban renewal.