Must rebuild MCA’s image and credibility through: courage, consistency and competence
PETALING JAYA: In an exclusive interview with theSun, former diplomat Neow Choo Seong, now MCA Youth information chief and Barisan Nasional Youth communication director, speaks candidly about party renewal, youth power and why MCA must ditch rhetoric for results.
theSun: MCA has faced declining support over several elections. From your perspective, what are the most urgent reforms MCA must undertake to elevate itself in Malaysia’s multipolar political landscape?
Neow: The most important reform for me is credibility reform. The focus must be on regaining the trust of the people.
There are three key aspects we must rebuild to reform the party’s image and credibility: courage, consistency and competence. These three elements are extremely important if we are to regain public confidence and trust. We are working very hard on this.
You can see that we have been putting in serious effort to rebuild MCA’s public image. That is the most important agenda for the party.
theSun: Undi 18 has significantly expanded the youth voter base. How is MCA Youth recalibrating its messaging, policies and digital presence to reconnect with young Malaysians who may feel the party no longer speaks their language?
Neow: If we look at the trend, it began as early as 2018, when we saw a significant increase in young voters, particularly after Undi 18 was passed. Now, with automatic voter registration at 18, the democratic process has become more challenging.
Personally, I foresee a growing generation gap between existing leadership and the realities on the ground. Therefore, MCA must rethink how we rejuvenate the party, its image and its direction.
We must reform how we approach issues by becoming issue-based rather than identity-based. At the same time, we must actively attract and encourage youth participation, particularly those who have just turned 18 and will be voting for the first time. They will ultimately decide the future direction of the country.
Without proper understanding and engagement with young people, especially those aged between 18 and 25, it will be difficult, because election outcomes determine the country’s trajectory.
As a moderate party, MCA must engage the youth while also changing its internal culture and policies. We need more young professionals to step forward and contribute to the party’s struggle and leadership. Representation should no longer be based on entitlement, but on merit for those who are capable, willing and sincere.
MCA is a long-established party, and I cannot deny that a culture of entitlement exists. But society has changed. We need capable young professionals who are willing to fight for the people and uphold the party’s principles. To me, that is the most important way to relate to young voters.
theSun: Ethnic-based parties face increasing pressure in a multiracial, issue-driven political era. How does MCA position itself today — as a community advocate or as a broader national party with cross-ethnic appeal?
Neow: MCA’s roots are community-based, but our mission must be national. Defending community interests does not contradict national unity.
As a moderate party, MCA must uphold community principles while also promoting national unity. While we represent the Chinese community, we must never forget that we have a national identity to protect.
This distinguishes MCA from other Chinese-based or Chinese-majority parties. Today, MCA must be a values-based, policy-driven national party.
The statements, struggles and positions taken by our leaders must be inclusive and aligned with the Federal Constitution. We speak from experience, both past and present, particularly in addressing racial polarisation.
We can no longer rely on racial or religious rhetoric. Even as a community-based party, MCA must be able to speak for all Malaysians from a broader national perspective.
theSun: Chinese voters have gravitated towards Pakatan Harapan (PH) for over a decade, but support appears to be waning. What unique value does MCA believe it can offer to regain their trust?
Neow: There are three core concerns within the Chinese community: education, the economy and security. MCA must uphold these principles without falling into the shadow of political opponents.
We must be realistic rather than rely on rhetoric. In the past, rhetoric was used to stir sentiment and emotions, but it did not bring real improvements to people’s livelihoods. That is why support has waned – people are now punishing those who made empty promises.
MCA must offer problem-solving, institutional reform and economic realism. Our leadership focuses on issues that affect not only the Chinese community but society as a whole.
For example, on economic matters, we have been vocal on e-invoicing, minimum wages and taxes such as SST. On education, we raise issues related to university enrolment systems and fairness to ensure talent retention and inclusivity.
On livelihoods, we highlight how the cost of living and economic prospects affect people on the ground. We must not only take clear positions, but also offer clear solutions. That is why MCA provides checks and balances and policy recommendations, even if it is ultimately up to the government to act.
For SST, our position is to return to GST. For e-invoicing, our call is to abolish it, as it places an unnecessary burden on entrepreneurs and the business community.
Whether or not people appreciate it now, we must continue doing this work. Over time, people will realise the importance of pragmatic, realistic and consistent leadership, which MCA can offer.
theSun: Can you explain further why MCA believes e-invoicing should be abolished? Is this feedback coming from the ground?
Neow: Yes, it is feedback from hawkers, small and medium enterprises and microbusinesses.
After the Sabah election, the prime minister announced an increase in the threshold from RM500,000 to RM1 million. That alone shows there are real concerns on the ground.
This policy does not only burden entrepreneurs, but ultimately affects consumers as costs are passed down. Beyond pricing, there is also the administrative burden, as businesses need additional manpower to manage e-invoicing systems.
Imagine a small business with just five staff needing to hire extra workers to handle compliance. Combined with other taxes imposed by the government, this becomes not only troublesome but harmful to businesses.
theSun: Looking ahead to the next general election, what is MCA’s must-win narrative? What message should resonate with Malaysians?
Neow: The narrative should be renewal with responsibility. We have made improvements and meaningful changes, but winning must come with responsibility. Malaysia does not need louder politicians – it needs wiser leadership. We need leaders who can govern, not those who rely on rhetoric and promises.
For more than a decade, Malaysians have had enough. MCA has learned from this and is transforming. We are ready to contribute constructively to a more stable, inclusive and competitive Malaysia.
We cannot promise miracles overnight. Transformation takes time.
But with integrity, discipline and consistency, I believe that within 10 years, the results will be visible.
