Macau public broadcaster TDM reports that Macau’s outgoing top gaming regulator, Manuel Joaquim das Neves, will be replaced by Assistant Prosecutor-General Paulo Martins Chan as director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.
Secretary of the Economy and Finance Lionel Leong Vai Tac has not confirmed the appointment, and says he is still looking for a replacement, reported Macau Business. “We will consider every possible direction based on the requirements of the position,” he said, adding that strong language skills are a priority for anyone who succeeds das Neves.
TDM, however, quoted an unidentified source who said the government tapped Chan because of his legal experience. He has a law degree from the University of Macau, and was one of the first magistrates of the newly created Macau Special Administrative Region, taking the post in December 1999, according to the Macau Daily Times.
After decades in government, Neves said he is retiring “to take a break and spend more time with my family.” Leong was asked if the multimillion-dollar Dore Group embezzlement was the reason for Neves’ departure. “No, definitely not,” the secretary replied. “As he himself said, he has worked in the public department for 31 years, and he thought it’s time for retirement and his family.”
Union Gaming Group analyst Grant Govertsen said the transition should be a smooth one. “In the context of Beijing seemingly pledging its support to Macau and to the gaming industry, we would not expect the transition to a new head of the gaming regulatory body to result in tougher times ahead” for casino industry and its concessionaires, he wrote.
