Participants starting their run at the MCA Youth Run at Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth’s 11th and final “From Legacy to Leadership” run has put the spotlight on empowering young Malaysians to take charge of their future.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the event was not merely a sporting activity but a statement of intent by youths to shape their own path forward.
“Running may look simple, but it sends a very clear message which is ‘to move forward’.
“No standing still, going in circles or turning back,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony at Wisma MCA yesterday.
Dr Mah said the Youth Run represented a conscious choice to shape the future rather than wait passively for change.
Malaysia, he said, had never lacked opportunities, with the country once seen as a potential “fifth Asian tiger” alongside Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, but it had lost its momentum in recent years.
Youth stride:(front row, starting fifth from left) Chong, Dr Mah, Wee and Ling posing before the flag off. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
“Policies keep changing, taxes keep rising, judicial independence is questioned and slogans are loud, but direction and real reforms are missing,” he said, adding that the fallout was being felt most acutely by the youth.
Dr Mah stressed that MCA Youth heavily supports a culture that is “healthy, orderly, rational and forward-looking” instead of treating young people as political tools.
“Young people should no longer wait to be directed. They must step forward, participate and fight for their own future.
“The nation’s future will not appear on its own. It must be built step by step.
“The small step you run today is a big step for Malaysia’s tomorrow,” Dr Mah added.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng described the run as more than a commemorative event, saying it was about reconnecting with young people and understanding their struggles.
“It is important for us to communicate more with young Malaysians, get to know them and discuss more with them. This is how we can uplift the voice of the youth,” he said.
Wee pointed to urban challenges in Kuala Lumpur, including economic pressures and living conditions, saying MCA Youth aimed to go beyond the rhetoric.
“We are not only speaking up and providing platforms for you. More importantly, we are also providing solutions,” he said.
MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon said the Kuala Lumpur run marked a symbolic return home after months on the road.
“From the first station on June 29 in Melaka, we’ve been to 10 different states.
“Finally, we’ve come to the final station here, in front of our headquarters, our home,” he said.
Ling said the run was a key highlight of MCA Youth’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
“We hope that the spirit of daring to fight, daring to speak and daring to act can be passed down from generation to generation,” he said.
Held on the Winter Solstice yesterday, the event also carried symbolic meaning.
“With over 1,500 participants present, it symbolises reunion. We hope that in the future, we can continue to reunite, and our mission and spirit can be passed down,” he added.
MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan thanked participants for their support.
“We have many activities in the future and we hope to see everyone again soon,” he said.
