People from all walks of life in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) hold high hopes for a brighter future under the leadership of Sam Hou Fai who has been elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao SAR.
Sam won the election with 394 votes in favor out of 398 valid ballots.
Ho Sut Heng, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and president of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions, highlighted the strong anticipation of the public for the realization of Sam's promises with a focus on law-based governance, effective leadership and unity.
"Mr. Sam Hou Fai's platform has garnered high recognition from the public, so his sweeping election victory today is well-deserved. His policies aim to unite all social sectors, and I believe he will successfully lead Macao in better integrating into the overall national development and build Macao into a better place," Ho said.
"I think the election plays an important role in fully implementing the principle of 'patriots administering Macao'. Each vote for Sam represents the hopes of all sectors in Macao for a brighter future. I firmly believe that the new government of the Macao SAR will steer the region's society towards broader development prospects," said Wong Chi Choi, president of the Macao New Chinese Youth Association.
Young residents of Macao have underlined the significance of the election for the youth, hoping that the new chief executive's platform will create more opportunities for them in the future.
"What resonates with me most from his platform is his commitment to better integrating Macao into the country's overall development, and what's more, how we young people can better contribute to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin. I hope the new government will put up more favorable policies in this regard," Fong Cho Ho said.
"Young people have been paying close attention to the election. After reviewing Mr. Sam Hou Fai's platform, I knew that he has responded to our needs. I hope that under his leadership, the new government of the Macao SAR will create more opportunities for young people and build a better Macao for all," Ou Wing Yan said.
Macao residents hold high hopes for brighter future under leadership of new government
Displaced Palestinians in Egypt marked Eid al-Fitr, a celebration traditionally filled with family gatherings, with profound sorrow over their separation from loved ones in the Gaza Strip.
Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar. It is typically a time for joyous family reunions across the Muslim world.
However, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Egypt spent Eid al-Fitr without the embrace of family this year.
Naema Alsoury, one of the many Palestinians who fled the war in Gaza seeking medical treatment in Egypt, reflected on the painful reality of her situation.
Her young son, who has suffered from eye cancer since he was four months old, requires constant care. As a mother of five, Naema Alsoury managed to bring four of her children to Egypt, while her eldest son and husband remained behind in Gaza.
"Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is beautiful but only for those with a clear mind. I woke up happy that the kids are excited to celebrate Eid. But as I saw cars with families going for the prayer-- husbands and wives together and families, I thought I can't hug my son or husband. I can't be truly happy during Eid. This is my third Eid here without my mother, my sister and my brothers. What Eid al-Fitr is that? I live in fear, because no one knows the fate of those in Gaza -- who will live and who will die," said Naema Alsoury.
Recently, one of Naema Alsoury's uncles, along with some other family members, managed to reach Egypt for medical treatment. Her nephew spoke of the stark differences in living conditions between Egypt and Gaza.
"My nephew pointed out to me the differences between Egypt and Gaza. I may have not paid attention to that. I was talking to them via video call. He told his mother, they have electricity. Their TV is on. They can charge their mobile phone anytime. We can go to the toilet any time and there is always water there. We don't have that in Gaza now," said Naema Alsoury.
Egyptians across many cities have used the annual Eid al-Fitr Prayer gathering to support Palestinians in the besieged enclave.
"Eid this year and the year before has been different because we are very sad about what's happening to our Palestinian Brothers, that they are getting forced to leave their land. They are facing injustice. As Egyptians we support our President's calls to reject displacement, they are our Arab brothers. We support them," said Islam El Hawary, an Egyptian citizen.
Displaced Palestinians in Egypt mark Eid al-Fitr amid heartache, separation from family
