YONG PENG: It was an upbeat and lively affair when all 15 MCA candidates were introduced in a ceremony in conjunction with the party's 73rd anniversary celebration.

       Party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also revealed that Tebrau MCA division chief Ng Yew Aik would be contesting the Puteri Wangsa state seat, which had not been finalised in Thursday's (Feb 24) announcement.

       "The Barisan Nasional president has given his blessing and the surat watikah (letter of appointment) has been signed this morning," he said following the announcement on Friday (Feb 25).

       On Thursday, Dr Wee said the choice of candidate for Puteri Wangsa still needed some time to be finalised, as some adjustments were needed.

       During the introduction, the candidates were called to the stage one by one for a flag-receiving ceremony accompanied by rhythmic drum beats, signifying them accepting their upcoming contests in the state polls.

       Dr Wee also helped put on an MCA vest for the candidates, while imparting words of encouragement for each candidate.

       In his speech, Dr Wee said about two-thirds of the candidates were newbies and urged all of them to humbly learn from the seniors in the party.

       "And for the seniors, do impart your knowledge and support to the younger generation. They are the future of the party," he said.

       Meanwhile, Dr Wee, who spoke to reporters at a press conference later, said there was no fixed formula for political parties to conduct seat negotiations.

       Dr Wee said MCA was allocated the Puteri Wangsa seat because the racial composition of the state seat has a majority of Chinese voters.

       "As a Chinese party, it's natural for MCA to take up this challenge.

       "So, MCA is appealing to all races to vote for us," said Dr Wee.

       Dr Wee also said MCA would work its hardest to win all 15 state seats that it was allocated for the Johor state election.

       "The most important goal is to form the state government," added Dr Wee.

       MCA’s 73rd anniversary celebrations were held a day before the Johor state election’s nomination day, to lend moral support to Barisan Nasional and its election machinery.

       Also present were party deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, vice-presidents Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Datuk Ti Lian Ker and Datuk Lim Ban Hong; and several party veterans such as Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Tan Sri Kong Cho Ha and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.