GEORGE TOWN: Penang MCA will have 30 coordinators in parliamentary seats and state constituencies in the hope of achieving breakthroughs in the state for the next general election, says state party chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.

       He said more than 70% of them were new faces made up of those under 45 years old, while women represent 20% of the coordinators.

       He added that the coordina- tors have gone through rigorous interviews and have been carefully vetted.

       “They (the coordinators) need to rely on their own and their team’s efforts to win the hearts and minds of the people. They can also set their own to do list to suit local needs,” he said when contacted.

       Tan also said that Penang MCA will hold talks on seat allocations with the state Umno and MIC.

       He believes that the general election may see Parti Warisan and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air forming alliances with Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and other political parties.

       This may turn into a four-cornered fight with Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, he added.

       As such, he said MCA’s manifesto was particularly important.

       “As Penang is a key state, we want to gather the people’s opinions to refine our manifesto and slogan this time,” Tan said.

       “Penang MCA attaches great importance to multilingual talents and professionals.

       “They must also have the enthusiasm as politics is a work of conscience,” he said of the coordinators.

       Tan said Barisan’s chances have improved following the results of the Melaka state election recently.On the impact of 18-year-old voters, he said Penang MCA needs to set up a publicity and creative group to ensure the demands of youngsters can be converted into policies through the political process.