Ready to serve: Chong (in white), Wong (to his right) and Wanita MCA deputy chairman Tee Hooi Ling (to his left) arriving at Dewan San Choon for the Wanita MCA general assembly. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita MCA is stepping up its political influence by drawing more young women into its ranks and positioning itself as a central force in the party’s election machinery, says its chief Datuk Wong You Fong.
Wong said the wing is no longer merely a supporting arm but a key driver of party renewal, buoyed by rising membership and a clearer political mission.
The number of new female members aged 35 and below has surged by 145% in the past three years, from 124 in 2022 to 258 in 2023, and 304 as at October this year.
“This shows that young women are willing to join MCA. They trust Wanita MCA, they identify with our direction and they recognise our professionalism and strength,” she said, adding that the trend reflects growing acknowledgement of the wing’s role and agenda.
Johor leads in attracting new young female members, followed by Selangor, with the Federal Territories also showing strong growth – evidence, she said, that Wanita MCA’s urban outreach is gaining traction.
States such as Pahang, Kedah, Melaka and Terengganu are also recording steady increases.
Wong noted that Wanita MCA had already proven its mettle during the recent Sabah state election, where its leaders and members campaigned tirelessly for party candidates.
“Many of our women leaders went into villages and towns, day and night, in rain or heat. This proves that Wanita MCA is at the core of the party’s mobilisation efforts,” she said in her policy speech at Wanita MCA’s third general assembly of the 17th Central Delegates here yesterday.
A total of 843 delegates attended.
She cautioned that both general and state elections could be called at any time, stressing that the wing plans to be at the forefront.
“Wanita MCA is ready. We are prepared to serve as the main election machinery. We are ready to put forward 30% women candidates. And we are ready to strengthen support from women voters, families and young people,” she said.
