Banker to Govern Macau After Hand-Over

A local banker won an overwhelming victory Saturday to become the first Chinese to lead the tiny enclave of Macau when Portugal pulls out in December after 442 years of colonial rule.

Edmund Ho, 44, whose late father was known as “Mr. Macau” for his wealth and political clout, vowed shortly after his election to crack down on gang violence that has rocked this gambling enclave of 450,000 people.

In secret balloting by a selection committee of 199 prominent local business and community leaders, Ho received 163 votes against 34 for his sole rival and fellow banker, Stanley Au.

The landmark vote is the last major political event before Macau, the oldest European settlement in Asia, returns to Chinese rule Dec. 20. Macau covers 8 1/2 square miles at the tip of southern China.

Macau has been hit with gangland murders and arsons in the last few years, as mobsters fight over casino profits in the recession-mired enclave 40 miles west of Hong Kong. The violence has claimed 15 lives so far this year.

Ho told reporters after his selection that law enforcement would be a major task of his government.

“I fully understand the people in Macau are concerned about law and order. That’s therefore the top priority of the [post-colonial] government in the future,” Ho said.

His popularity was not tarnished by his admission that he might have unknowingly dealt with gangsters in the past.

Ho’s father, Ho Yin, who died in 1983, was a prominent and popular community leader.