Candidates' contribution to economy counts with the voters
If the election were taking place in most other democracies, the moral implications of Angela Leong On-kei as a lawmaker might be questioned. But not in Macau.
Ms Leong, a former dancer who rose into high society and became the fourth wife of gaming mogul Stanley Ho Hung-sun, heads a seven-person list. Following her are several opinion leaders and figures in high education, including the principal of an adult education institution and two PhD degree holders - one of whom is a university dean.
If anyone was to challenge why Ms Leong is more qualified than scholars to make Macau's laws, Guangzhou former mayor Li Ziliu reassured them at her last campaign rally at the Macau Jockey Club.
'I have known On-kei for many years,' the former mayor said, adding she was born and raised in Guangzhou. 'I know she always keeps her promises. She dares to speak her mind and does not hesitate to take action on what she believes in.'
He went as far as to describe a successful Legco bid by Ms Leong as 'a glory for Guangzhou and for the Pearl River Delta'.
Eilo Yu Wing-yat, assistant professor at the University of Macau, said: 'Macau people are very practical. They know that even if they make a lot of noise about certain candidates on moral grounds, nothing is going to change.'
Instead of scrutinising how the well-heeled candidates made their way up the social ladder, people tended to appreciate the candidates' contribution to the economy, he said.
The same applied to other candidates for the legislature this year, including hotel operator David Chow Kam-fai and casino owner Chan Meng-kam.
'People here have enjoyed the fruits of their commercial activities and their community participation,' said Professor Yu. 'The rest they accept as reality.'
