PETALING JAYA: The MCA Youth wing is embracing new politics with a new mindset as the party is no longer strong, says its chairman Ling Tian Soon.

“Youth members must accept the fact that MCA is no longer strong as before,” he said.

From a coalition member in the ruling government, to an opposition party, and now part of the Unity Government, MCA is playing different roles at different times, he said.

“We have to accept the change of the entire political landscape and stop complaining.

“Learn to accept the fact and adopt a new method to remain relevant in the new political landscape.”

Ling, the Yong Peng state assemblyman who is also the Johor Health and Unity Committee chairman, led the Youth delegation to visit Sin Chew Daily headquarters in Petaling Jaya Thursday.

“As long as racial policy exists, MCA, a Chinese-based political party, is here to stay.

“We are the only Chinese-based political party in the country, and we will speak for the Chinese,” he said.

Changes in politics is a global trend while party rotation also takes place in other countries as part of the progress in democracy.

Despite being slapped with criticisms, there are people who still prefer the Barisan Nasional model of political landscape, he said.

After MCA Youth has lowered the ceiling age for members from 45 to 40, the wing is now facing a shortage of members.

Of the party’s 1.04 million members, only 7% are aged 40 and below.

“Due to the age limit, the Youth leadership is facing many challenges.

“The leadership needs to have future plans in place. When a new leadership takes over, the plan needs to change again.

“The Youth wing is not looking at short term, but a 10-year plan to groom future leaders,” he said.