KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Oct 2008: Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong is the new MCA Youth Chief after he was unchallenged when nominations for the post closed today.
Speaking to reporters after nominations, held at Wisma MCA here, closed at 5pm, he said he would carry out a number of structural reforms to ensure the wing continued to be relevant to the youths.
Among the major changes, he said, was to lower the maximum age limit for the wing from the current 45 years to 40 years old.
“I pledge to do this in five years’ time. This is appropriate in order for the wing to live up to its youthful image,” said the the 40-year-old Wee, who was the former secretary-general.
The post was left vacant when Datuk Liow Tiong Lai had to relinquish his post upon exceeding the age limit of 45. Liow is going for the vice-president’s post.
The post of deputy Youth head is being contested by Perak Youth Chief Dr Mah Hang Soon and Kapar Division Chief Song Kee Chai in a straigfht fight.
Song, 45, who said he was confident of winning the post, said he would work closely with Wee on rejuvenating the team.
“I will be the conductor and Wee the driver, together I believed we will drive the youth to greater success,” he said.
Six candidates meanwhile are vying the four vice-chief positions. They are Chin Tung Leong, Yong Chen Leong, Koe He Choon, Yoo Wei How, Yit Lee Kok and Khoo Ngee Chai.
Meanwhile, 24 candidates are vying for the wing’s 20 Central Committee positions. — Bernama
