INTERVIEW || António Ng Kuok Cheong is 67 years old. The name itself – which it does not use – is a legacy from the time when Macau was administered by Portugal. He says a few words in Portuguese, but it is in English that he speaks to CNN Portugal. “Most residents know what is happening, but for them if the Government continues to distribute money to the population, then everything is fine”
For more than 30 years he was a deputy of the Legislative Assembly, always elected by universal suffrage. He was one of the most active voices in the pro-democracy camp, until he was prevented from running for the hemicycle, in 2021. António Ng Kuok Cheong, tells us, now that it is rare for him to be contacted for an interview. He dedicated much of his life to the fight for democracy. In 1992 he founded the Novo Macau Association, but before that he had been part of the Union for Democratic Development. He spent three decades in the Legislature defending what is now indefensible in China.
When did you decide to enter the political scene?
From April to June 1989, important moments were experienced in China. I defended the Chinese people. I fought and demonstrated for democracy. But I was a manager at the Bank of China and I realized that my political beliefs were going to be a problem for my work.
One day, my boss got a journalist from a very famous Macau newspaper to come to my office and ask me questions about some social problems. The next day they published a news story saying that “Ng Kuok Cheong had left the Macau Democratic Union of his own free will”. It was new to me. I decided to resign.
What was the Union for Democratic Development doing at that time?
Politically and publicly, we advised and insisted that China’s leaders reflect on what had happened on June 4, 1989, and that they apologize and do something for democracy in the country. But we know that Macau is a very small place, we have few resources. We cannot change China’s course, but we can do more for this society, even in terms of democratization.
That’s how you founded the Novo Macau Association in 1992. How do you look back on all these years, especially since 1999?
Macau has completely changed. Not necessarily for the worse. The social security system was created, free public education was made available to all, and a healthcare system was created. And as Macau became rich, there was strong investment in these areas.
On an economic level, just look at the numbers. We have a great GDP because of the gaming industry, and also because China allowed people to come to Macau to play. We became very rich, very quickly.
Politically, after 1999, many Chinese associations became rich, because of government subsidies. The biggest problem at that time was corruption. The Government had a lot of money to spend and Chinese companies had very close relationships with the executive’s offices.
Between 1999 and 2018 I believed we were free. We asked the central government to reflect on June 4th. In Macau we could criticize the government and discuss any political issue. At that time, we even sent documents with complaints and data to the central government about Macau. We always had a response from the central government.
Things have changed. When was the turning point?
In 2021 I was disqualified from the legislative elections. As far as I know, it was an order from the central government in China. The regime wanted to end the problems in Hong Kong, following the pro-democracy protests.
In fact, we realized as early as 2013 or 2015 that China was heading in a new direction. Xi Jinping was preparing a new direction for the country. Before Xi Jinping (reached leadership) China was more open to capitalism and interested in getting rich. However, some resistance from the international community itself would have made Xi Jinping rethink the model. He decided that China would join capitalism economically, but not politically.
After this disqualification, in 2021, civil society was no longer able to take initiatives that criticized the Government.
We see this pressure felt on a daily basis. Are people afraid to speak up?
Some friends who have more revolutionary and democratic views, the younger ones, decided to leave Macau. Some went to the United Kingdom, others to Taiwan (but few).
Most residents know what is happening, but for them if the Government continues to distribute money to the population, then everything is fine. They want the Government to maintain social welfare.
Does that disappoint you?
No. I also think that the democratic system is just one of several issues that need to be thought about. Like education, health, for example. I know that the people of Macau will fight for these issues.
There is no prospect of an improvement in the political system in the short term. People in Macau, like me, can’t change anything in China. However, we must continue with this ideal of democracy.
Is there any hope for a more democratic future in Macau?
I hope that Macau will one day have new power and new voices. The new generation has a very high academic level. But, of course, you need time to consolidate your social position. I will continue to give my opinion about Macau. And I know that the problem is not just China. Everyone is facing serious problems. New voices are needed in the world.
He said he will continue to express his opinions. That will not remain silent. Do you feel free?
If this helps some people publicly, in a case that criticizes the government, I know they will have problems. Therefore, I continue to follow some cases, but not publicly.
It’s not a very good environment. But I know I’m not the only one going through this. Many people face difficulties. In life there are always difficulties, and we believe that one day these difficulties will be overcome.
Have you ever thought about giving up your political beliefs?
I could radically change my political convictions, and try to return to the Legislative Assembly again. But if I did that, I would be completely giving up on myself.
