KOTA KINABALU: Unity is best achieved with a national party like MCA, says new party member Trevor Maringking.
“That is why I chose to affiliate with MCA, a platform for all Malaysians," he said.
The 42-year-old lawyer led 99 other non-Chinese individuals to join MCA following a resolution passed by the party’s Youth wing a couple of years ago.
This is an initiative which is part of MCA's broader effort to embrace diversity and welcome members from various ethnic backgrounds.
On this, Trevor said that he sees an opportunity to expand MCA’s influence in Sabah and present a more multicultural image.
"Under chairman, Datuk Teah Heok Kuin, Sabah MCA aims to include all Sabahans, not just the Chinese community," he said.
He added that currently, members are from Penampang, Tuaran, and Semporna and said that the party has aspirations to grow state-wide.
Trevor then said that he is committed to engaging the younger generation and promoting MCA’s vision of a multicultural Sabah.
"I may be new to politics but I want to amplify the voices of young Sabahans who wish to participate in the political process, particularly from non-Chinese communities," he added.
Trevor then said that Sabah MCA’s autonomy allows it to operate independently, much like a local party and added that this makes it an appealing choice for those seeking unity under a national framework while preserving local interests.
"My hope is to foster a Sabah where all communities feel represented and included, working together for the state’s betterment," he said.
Although his political journey has just begun, his vision for an inclusive, united Sabah within a national party signals a hopeful direction for the state’s political future.
Meanwhile, MCA President Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong welcomed members of other ethnicities to join as affiliates, noting that they have recorded a few hundred members nationwide.
"Today, we received our first batch of affiliate members," he added, inviting them to participate in party activities, though voting is currently restricted.
Sabah MCA has some 40,000 members.
