KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to widen its appeal among Malaysians, the MCA has announced plans to amend its constitution to pave the way for the entry of affiliate non-Chinese members.
MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon, who is leading the initiative, said his wing is in the midst of drafting a proposal to amend the party’s rules to open MCA’s doors to Malaysians of all ethnicities.
“MCA Youth is exploring this idea to get more support from the other races. We plan to submit the proposal to the MCA central committee soon for approval,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the Selangor MCA Youth’s 47th annual general meeting at the party’s headquarters here today.
Chong said at present, the MCA constitution provided for the creation of affiliate organisations like Kelab MCA, but did not have a provision for affiliate memberships.
“We are figuring out how to use the platform of affiliate organisations to get the support of not just the Chinese, but all Malaysians. Our struggle focuses on all races and not just the Chinese. So, we have to translate that spirit into how we run the party in the future,” he added.
Chong, who is also deputy education minister, said the initiative would serve as a “transition period” or starting point for the Chinese-based MCA to turn multiracial.
“Through this transition period, we want to make sure the party leadership can look at issues from a multiracial perspective so that we can achieve national unity and establish respect for one another,” he said.