Incoming Macau leader faces gaming, transparency challenges

MACAO -- As reported by Reuters: "With the world's top gambling hub of Macau at a crossroads from the financial crisis, expectations have mounted for its incoming leader to steer a more sustainable growth path while building a more transparent government.

"Ex-minister Fernando Chui has now emerged as Macau's sole candidate for chief executive, after garnering overwhelming support from a 300-person election committee at the close of a formal nomination period on Tuesday, rendering obsolete a planned election on July 26.

"... Macau has also been left vulnerable in the downturn given the overwhelming reliance on such gambling lifeblood.

"...Eva Lou, a spokeswoman for Chui, told Reuters it was too early to comment on his possible gaming policies as Macau leader.

"Some analysts, however, said Chui could face pressure to cut Macau's hefty gaming taxes of around 39 percent..."