Fresh faces key to state party renewal

MCA to integrate young leaders with support from across different age groups ahead of GE16

PENANG MCA is injecting new blood into its state leadership as part of its rejuvenation process.

Its liaison committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said identifying and integrating young leaders into the line-up was vital in gearing up for the 16th General Election (GE16).

“We have always believed in the principles of nurturing and promoting young members within the party.

“The move will not only invigorate the party, but also fortify its internal dynamics, circumventing any potential generational gap.

“While Penang MCA places strong focus on rejuvenation, we need the support and collaboration of members across different age groups.

“Through a formula of mutual support, the process of incorporating new talents within the party can take place seamlessly, further strengthening MCA’s overall standing,” he said after chairing the first meeting of the new state executive committee for a five-year term from 2023 to 2028 at the state party headquarters in Jalan Transfer.

Also in the state leadership are executive adviser Datuk Koay Kar Huah and deputy chairman Chuah Tee Sung.

The six vice-chairmen are Dr Tan Chuan Hong, Dr Loke Poh Chye, Goh Poh Chuan, Wong Chin Chong, Datuk Ooi Siew Kim and Sit Jie How.

Others in the line-up are Yeoh Chin Kah (secretary), Datuk Kang Chun Keong (treasurer), Datuk Tan Lee Huat (organising secretary), Lee Seng Hao (deputy secretary), Datuk Teh Cheok Lim (deputy treasurer) and Quah Lean Hu (deputy organising secretary).

During the meeting, Teik Cheng said the state leadership had unequivocally voted against participating in GE16 under the unity government framework.

He said Penang MCA saw contesting under the Barisan Nasional banner as the most prudent and strategic decision.

“However, we are concerned that within Barisan, some component parties are willing to place personal or group interests ahead of the collective cause.

“It is not implausible that these members would forge new alliances in GE16.

“Hence, Penang MCA strongly echoes the call of party president (Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong) that if anyone should choose new alliances, MCA will not hesitate to go it alone and possibly even establish itself as an autonomous entity in GE16.

“All MCA members must support the president and the party’s resolute commitment in this cause,” said Teik Cheng.

“We must either contest under our own party flag or seek a new coalition.

“The primary task is to identify constituencies to contest, undertake comprehensive strategic planning and ensure that MCA can field candidates successfully,” he said.

He added that this approach aligned with the raison d’être of a political party – to seize every opportunity for participation without succumbing to apprehension before the battle commences.

Last month, Dr Wee had said MCA was prepared to go it alone in Barisan.

He said as MCA had been striving forward by integrating itself and working on strengthening Barisan, it would, however, not hesitate to go solo if any Barisan component party wished to leave or join others.

Dr Wee said this at a press conference after opening the party’s 70th annual general meeting at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur.