Capability a priority

By JOSEPHINE JALLEH
josephine@thestar.com.my

 

PENANG MCA delegates have called on the party’s central committee to select capable candidates with winning potential for the next general election while nurturing newcomers for future elections.

The call was among 15 resolutions on politics, party affairs, economy, culture, tourism and education that were passed during the Penang MCA convention at Vistana Hotel in Bukit Jambul on Saturday.

Around 600 delegates were present during the convention which included MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha and Penang MCA chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Other resolutions saw MCA delegates calling upon party leaders to recognise academic qualifications from universities and institutes of higher learning from Taiwan.

On health issues, the delegates urged the Health Ministry to strictly enforce the checking of local and imported foodstuff to prevent unsafe food from affecting people’s health.

The Penang Government was also called upon to establish special task force groups to ensure the smooth running of the new Penang Hill railway coaches and to prevent accidents to tourists who use sea sports facilities at the beaches in Batu Ferringhi.

Earlier, the energy and enthusiasm were apparent among the delegates as the convention kicked off in good spirits.

After the delegates had sung the national anthem, party song and taken the oath, Dr Ng gave her speech, urging the members to be united for the next general election. Dr Chua then took centre stage and delivered a speech, telling party members not to worry but to be fully prepared for the next election.


In a press conference later, Dr Chua announced that state party deputy chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun had been appointed as director of their election operations machinery here. He also said that the chief minister would be from a Chinese-based component party if Barisan Nasional won Penang in the general election.