KUALA LUMPUR: MCA is committed to nurturing women and young leaders as the party’s core strength rather than leaving them in supporting roles, says deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
He said Wanita MCA had long been at the forefront of the party’s struggles, not only during elections.
“Women and youth must be developed as the party’s driving force,” he said in his opening speech at the 52nd Selangor Wanita MCA state assembly on Sunday (Aug 24).
Dr Mah also highlighted the growing economic pressures faced by Malaysians. Between 2020 and 2025, the consumer price index rose 9.8%, while wage growth in the private sector was only 7.9%.
“This 1.9% gap shows why people feel their purchasing power is shrinking, particularly for essentials such as food and beverages, which went up by 17.5%,” he said.
He pointed to further challenges, including the mismatch between rising productivity (7.5% between 2022 and 2025) and declining wages, which have contributed to more Malaysians seeking opportunities abroad.
Touching on graduate employment, Dr Mah noted that while Malaysia produces about 260,000 graduates annually, only around 150,000 new jobs are created.
“As a result, over 36% of graduates end up in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs,” he said, adding that women often face greater challenges in the workforce despite outnumbering men at universities.
Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong said the wing has consistently pushed for 30% female candidates in elections, not as a quota but as recognition of capability.
“Our aim is not token representation but to field quality candidates who have been nurtured within the party,” she said.
She added that leadership renewal was crucial, noting the gap between senior and younger members.
“Some leaders cannot retire as there are not enough younger members ready to step up. We must give opportunities to the younger generation while encouraging collaboration across all levels,” she said.
Selangor Wanita MCA chairperson Tee Hooi Ling reminded members that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Malaysia ratifying Cedaw (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women).
“Women make up 56.7% of the workforce compared with 83.3% of men. In politics, female representation is only 13.5% in the Dewan Rakyat, 14.8% in the Dewan Negara, 12.2% in state assemblies and 19.7% in local government. We are still far from the 30% target in decision-making,” she said.
She added that Selangor Wanita MCA would propose a memorandum to the party leadership to ensure at least 30% female representation in candidates and appointments across all levels.
Also present at the event were Wanita MCA veterans Ng Siok Hua, Chew Lee Giok, Lim Sean Lean, Chew Mei Fun and Chua Fong Ling, as well as Selangor Wanita MCA deputy chairperson Pun Mie Lim and secretary Ivone Low Yi Wen.
