Photo: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: "Perseverance in strength" - the theme for MCA's 74th party anniversary will serve as a guide in the current political landscape, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said with only two MPs and a handful of state assemblymen in Johor, Melaka and Perak, the party had limited political clout in determining the country’s direction.
"We must face and change this reality and find the strength to bounce back.
"We should not be waiting for others to help us get back on our feet as no one is obligated to do so.
"We must overcome the setback on our own and our members need to help us stand up again," he said.
Dr Wee said MCA needed more quality candidates who were capable and willing to work hard and persevere.
"We need more candidates to convince the voters and gain their support. All these require self-transformation," he added.
Meanwhile, he said the central leadership had organised a brainstorming camp on Feb 10 and 11 to review and propose plans for reformation.
"We have set the direction for reformation in several aspects, especially in publicity, our organisation, political education, think tank, new media and youth.
"We will execute these transformation plans so that the people can see a different MCA in the shortest time possible," he said during the party anniversary celebrations in Wisma MCA on Saturday (March 4).
Party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said organisational restructure is one of the crucial changes needed.
"Within MCA's massive organisation, it is time for us to undergo a complete overhaul from the national to state, division, and branch levels.
"There is a need to become leaner and more flexible, to approach and serve the public more effectively," he added.
Chong said as part of MCA’s rejuvenation, it needed to engage in self-reflection, embrace change and perfect their skills until the opportunity arises.
He also quoted Sun Tzu's Art of War “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
