Dr Wee (centre) accompanied by a God of Prosperity, with Dr Mah (sixth left), Chor (fourth left), Tan (second right), along with (from fifth right) Wong, Chong, Chua and Heng at the celebration in Alor Setar.
SOME 300 MCA leaders and members from various divisions in Kedah packed the hall of a restaurant in Alor Setar for a Chinese New Year celebration with media practitioners.
The dinner was also held in conjunction with the upcoming 50th anniversary of Wanita MCA, which was established on Aug 7, 1975.
Present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong, MCA treasurer-general Tan Tuan Peng, former Alor Star MP and former Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung.
In his speech, Dr Wee said MCA was a party that upheld the people’s interests.
“Regardless of time or place, the party will always stand with the people. What MCA voices in the Dewan Rakyat is driven by the sentiments of people on the ground.
“We will not shy away from any challenge, for we stand on the side of what is right. If the government is performing well, we will support it. But if the government errs, we will scrutinise and address it – that is our duty.
“We will never compromise when it comes to injustices faced by the people and we will remain steadfast in defending their rights,” he said.
Dr Wee said this year would mark a pivotal moment for MCA as the party prepared for the state and general elections.
He said Sabah, Melaka and Johor would be the first states to hold state elections, followed by the country’s general election.
Calling on all party members to begin preparations, he said it was time to gear up for the demanding election schedule ahead.
“I know the setback Kedah MCA faced in the last general election,” he said.
“Despite this, the party will not falter. We will regroup, learn from our experiences and push forward.”
Kedah MCA chairman Chua Thiong Gee urged the MCA Central Committee to field more women candidates in the next general election.
“There are many talented leaders in Kedah Wanita MCA who have proven their ability to serve the people and defend the party’s position,” he said.
Wong said Wanita MCA should not be limited to the 30% quota.
“We should be given more opportunities for development and to fully utilise our ability and strength, regardless of gender.”
Kedah Wanita MCA chief Heng Tang Kooi said, “If we don’t adjust our pace and prepare ourselves now, we will eventually just ‘go home’.”
During the dinner, guests enjoyed entertainment provided by MCA members who performed a few energetic Chinese New Year songs, as well a solo belly dance and a group dance.
Dr Wee and Chong showcased their singing talent by performing two songs.
Media practitioners were also seen catching up with each other, with MCA leaders and guests from non-governmental organisations.
