Youth involvement crucial to party’s future, says Dr Wee
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA is committed to offering comprehensive support to young members, particularly those facing challenges in employment or education, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said the party’s youth wing possesses the strength and experience to guide the younger generation, drawing on decades of accumulated knowledge.
“We have the system in place to provide ongoing support, and we believe we can help those with aspirations,” the MCA president said when welcoming 200 new members from the Federal Territories MCA at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Dr Wee said young people play a vital role in shaping the future of political parties and the nation.
“Youths are our future, their involvement is crucial to the sustainability of our party. We need their participation and endorsement,” he added.
Acknowledging that the party is ageing, Dr Wee stressed the need for fresh talent.
“Our members are getting older, and attracting young members aged 18 to 30 remains a challenge.
“However, it is essential for the party’s future to engage with this group,” he said, inviting well-informed and articulate young individuals and influencers to join the party.
Following the implementation of Undi18, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, Dr Wee said political parties have been prompted to actively recruit younger members.
“Like it or not, young people are ready to register as new members, including those who have just completed their SPM or are about to enter A-Level or STPM.
Fresh talent: Dr Wee (fourth from left) and Jeck Seng (centre) posing for a group photo alongside new MCA members after a registration ceremony at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur. — ART CHEN/The Star
“We must show them why they should support us as eligible voters,” he said.
He noted that MCA has streamlined its membership application process, which can now be completed via mobile phone and submitted online.
Addressing the new members, Dr Wee underscored the pivotal role MCA has played in the fight for equal citizenship and educational rights for the Chinese community since its founding on Feb 27, 1949.
“Today’s youth may not fully understand the significance of citizenship. It was the people’s desire for independence and freedom from colonial rule that fuelled these efforts.
“Without citizenship, we would have no right to take part in politics or vote today,” he said.
He reaffirmed MCA’s long-standing commitment to education, citing the establishment of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology as well as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, which together have produced hundreds of thousands of graduates.
“We will continue to develop these universities and make them even better,” he assured.
Highlighting the importance of accountability in governance, Dr Wee urged members to be open to all viewpoints and to consider issues from multiple perspectives.
“Youths today think independently and make their own decisions. We must embrace diverse perspectives and value their input,” he added.
In his welcoming speech, Federal Territories MCA chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng said the inaugural new members recruitment drive has surpassed expectations, drawing more members than the initial target of 150.
“This initiative is ongoing, with all Wilayah members and leaders committed to bringing in new members every few months,” he said.
Jeck Seng also emphasised the importance of engaging the younger generation.
“We hope this team will bring about change. We are not just dwelling on the past but looking ahead to the future, focusing on direction and principles,” he said.
Encouraging new members to understand MCA’s struggles and get to know the party better, Jeck Seng added that MCA is a welcoming platform for everyone to share their views.
“We encourage young people to join us, not just to listen, but for us to hear from you. Your voice is essential for us to improve and better serve the community and our nation,” he said.
At the ceremony, political scientist Prof Wong Chin Huat spoke on the importance of local elections.
Representatives from Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Bhd, MCA’s education and investment arm, also briefed members on the various schemes, loans and forms of aid available through the cooperative.
Also present were Federal Territories MCA deputy chairman Tan Kok Eng, MCA national organising secretary Datuk Leaw Kok Chan, MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon and his deputy Mike Chong Yew Chuan.
