The topic on efforts to seek the support of the Chinese community for MCA in facing the coming general election resounded during the debate session at the party's Annual General Assembly at Wisma MCA, here, Sunday.

A delegate from Pagoh, Johor, Mong Siaw Fang reminded MCA leaders, especially those holding posts in the government, to be vocal in protecting the interests of the Chinese community if they wanted to attract the support of the community.

He said they should be brave in stating their stand on any arising issue involving the community.

Mong also said that party members should not be obsessed with grabbing party posts but to focus on services to the people and party instead.

"Awareness on serving the people should be boosted because posts are meaningless if there is no support from the party members and the people at large," he said.

The topic carried by Mong was also shared by a delegate from Lembah Pantai (in Kuala Lumpur), Kong Kok Meng who wanted MCA to defend Chinese-majority areas in the redelineation issue as it was an opportunity to regain support for the party.

Penang delegate Goh Swee Gim raised the issue of the weakness of the Penang state government administration over the flash flood problem and its tendency to blame others and playing politics.

The DAP-led state government should look at suitable mechanisms to overcome the flash flood problem and population density in the state, and refer to experts on systematic drainage system before starting any housing or development project, she said.

A delegate from Arau, Perlis, Chuah Tian Hee said the state government should give priority to local workers over foreign workers to work in the small and medium industry (SMI).

He said most locals found it difficult to get a job in this sector because employers were hiring more foreign workers as they could be paid less.

"Local residents mostly have to fend for their families, so they need permanent jobs compared to foreign workers. This also causes unemployment to go up.

"Furthermore, locals are more experienced and understand the true situation of SMI in this country," he said. -- BERNAMA