PUTRAJAYA, Feb 3 (Sin Chew Daily) — With many new parties and new voters in the coming Johor state election, MCA is going all out to woo the voters, says the party’s president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The party did not win a single seat in Johor during the last general election in 2018

In an interview with local Chinese media, Wee said many issues raised in the coming state election would be related to young people as the eligible voting age has been lowered to 18.

MCA must connect with young people and know their issues, he said.

Hence, despite not yet finalizing the candidates contesting in the upcoming Johor election, Wee is certain that the candidates will include new blood.

“This includes the next general election as well.

“With the inclusion of 7.8 million new voters nationwide, the new winner in Putrajaya will be the one supported by young voters,” he said.

With the implementation of automatic registration for voters aged 18 and above, the state polls in Johor would be more challenging compared to earlier state elections in Melaka and Sarawak, Wee admitted.

“The voters will likely support the party that can solve the pressing issues affecting them, such as employment.”

Wee said another factor would be whether the voters have good impression of a party.

After experiencing several changes in the federal government, Wee said the voters expect electoral candidates to be clear about their political agendas, and for opposition candidates, they are expected to play the role of checks and balances.

“Some say it would be game over for MCA if the party lost Ayer Hitam parliamentary seat in the last general election. But I won the seat. Unfortunately, the political power changed hands and the ruling party became the opposition.

“Many voters hope that even if MCA becomes an opposition party, the MCA candidate is still able to play his role.

Wee is frank that the recent Melaka election was a morale booster for MCA. The party would be working harder to gain more support from the voters.

On Pakatan Harapan’s defeat in Melaka and Sarawak state polls, Wee said he did not underestimate the coalition.