IPOH: MCA needs to urgently step up efforts to recruit more young members, as those under 40 currently make up less than 7% of the party’s total membership nationwide, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
The MCA deputy president described the figure as “alarming” and said immediate measures were necessary to strengthen the party’s youth wing.
“We have to recruit more young members, as at the moment, we have less than 7% below 40 years of age.
“That is very alarming, and we really have to find ways to encourage more youth to join us and strengthen the party,” he said after attending the Perak MCA Youth annual general meeting here on Saturday (Sept 20).
Dr Mah said that while membership drives and outreach efforts had been carried out, the results were less than desired.
Explaining the challenges, Dr Mah said many young Malaysians were weighed down by issues such as employability, disparity of income, and the rising cost of living.
“Youth today are facing so many problems, with the burden of living costs and work commitments, making political participation a lower priority.
“But they must realise that their lives are influenced and affected by policies and decisions made by lawmakers,” he added.
Dr Mah said while no official target has been set, he suggested that the party should aim to at least double the proportion of youth members to around 15%.
“That would be more than double the current number, which is something to be desired. We must not give up on this,” he said.
