The Macau government published a draft Law on the Election of the Chief Executive on Wednesday, which includes a rule requiring gaming concessionaires to maintain neutrality during the election.
Macau authorities announced a revision of the Law on the Election of the Chief Executive in June, and the draft bill was only made public this week.
A government representative pointed out that the Law on the Election of the Legislative Assembly already provides for the neutrality of concessionaires, so the authorities should do the same for the Chief Executive Election.
Macau’s Chief Executive is elected by a 400-member election committee. According to AGB checks, several members of the election committee are deeply related to the gaming industry.
Pansy Ho, Lawrence Ho, Angela Leong, and Ambrose So are all on the committee.
Former casino owner Chan Meng Kan and junket businessman Frederick Yip Wing Fat are also included.
Pansy Ho is the Co-Chairperson and Managing Director of MGM China. Her brother, Lawrence Ho, is the Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited and Melco International Development Limited.
Angela Leong is the fourth wife of the late gaming mogul Stanley Ho. She is also a member of the Election Committee, chosen automatically due to her role as a lawmaker in Macau.
Ambrose So was SJM‘s Vice-Chairman, CEO, and Executive Director and retired in June.
Chan Meng Kam was the owner of several satellite casinos in Macau, and he decided to shut down all the casinos during the industry crackdown.