MELAKA: More opportunities are needed to encourage Melaka-born youths to return and contribute to the state, says Barisan Nasional’s Kesidang candidate Leong Hui Ying.

       Being an overseas graduate herself, the 29-year-old said many in her age group had chosen to pursue greener pastures in the Klang Valley or in other countries.

       The alternative healing therapy teacher said they had talents and expertise which could contribute tremendously to the state’s development and economy.

       “If only we can have more to offer them in terms of job satisfaction, good remuneration packages and career advancement, I’m sure they would be willing to come home.

       “I will focus my efforts on this,” she said in an interview yesterday.

       The true-blue Melakan, who is Wanita MCA national deputy publicity bureau chief and the wing’s state deputy publicity bureau chief, has not let her young age stop her from being active in politics and getting involved in community work.

       She holds a degree in Speech Communication from Shih Hsin University in Taiwan after graduating from Pay Fong Middle School.

       She has also been actively involved in Persatuan Kwang Tung Huay Kuan Melaka and the Melaka Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

       The bubbly lass said she has to thank her 80-year-old grandmother, who inspired her to join politics.

       “I still remember the morning of my 18th birthday, she gave me an ang pow and a form to join MCA, saying that ‘it is time you make a change out there for the greater good.’

       “I’m glad that my grandmother showed me how I can do something and contribute to society,” she said.

       With four generations of MCA members in her family, Leong said the party was part of her upbringing.

       Realising a recent video of her struggling to respond to questions in Bahasa Malaysia has gone viral, Leong said that she was unperturbed and vowed to come back stronger.

       “I can certainly speak my national language because ‘Kita Anak Malaysia’ (we are the children of Malaysia).

       “Speech fluency requires frequent usage and an encouraging environment. It is going to be just a matter of time for me to be fluent because I’m in that environment now,” she said, adding that she is all for learning new things.