KLANG: There will be more MCA Youth candidates contesting in the upcoming general election than in the previous polls.

Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon (pic) said this was necessary to inject new and fresh blood into the party’s political resume.

“It is a good move to show that we give chances to the youth and with these new candidates, we will also be bringing in some new ideas,’’ said Chong when met at a Chinese education fair at the Klang Hokkien Association hall here Tuesday.

The fair, organised by the Taiwan, Selangor and Federal Territory Alumni Association, was attended by more than 200 students.

Chong said the 13th general election campaign had been very conventional and could not draw the support of the young people.

He added the MCA recognises and understands the need to move away from the old and convention style of politics.

“We need to do things differently and step away from the old dinner and lucky draw method,’’ said Chong.

He said MCA has also managed to bridge the gap between the party and the Chinese community in recent years.

“We have been working very hard since Datuk Seri Liow (MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai) took over the party and have rebuilt our relationship with the Chinese community and non-governmental organisations,’’ said Chong.

He said the membership has also increased with more young people coming into the MCA fold.

On another matter, Chong said even though the in-fighting in Pakatan Harapan will increase MCA’s chances of winning in the polls, the party will not depend on this.

“Depending on Pakatan’s weaknesses alone cannot make us win.

“We have to work hard and depend on our own strength,’’ he added.

Chong said the MCA had started working towards the general election since 2014.

“Like the party president announced, we are ready for the election anytime,’’ said Chong.

MCA Youth deputy secretary-general Tee Hooi Ling concurred and added the younger generation liked the social work being carried out by the youth wing.

“The younger generation is very hands on and they want to go down to the ground and help those in need.

“Our youth wing is active in social service and youngsters want to participate as well and that is one of the reasons they are joining the MCA,’’ said Tee.

Tee, who is the Klang division MCA youth chief, said her division itself had been boosted by 200 new youth members over the past three months.-thestar