MCA delegates raise their hand to pass a resolution. Oct 20, 2024 —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Lowering the party joining age from 18 to 17 was one of the amendments passed during the 71st MCA annual general meeting.
It was unanimously approved yesterday, allowing individuals as young as 17 to become members of the party.
This change aligns with the implementation of Undi18, which lowered the voting age to 18 and introduced automatic voter registration on Dec 15, 2021.
The meeting also addressed situations where the terms of party office-bearers expire before a general election.
The new amendments now permit the party's central committee to postpone elections at all levels – division and branch – until after the general election, to facilitate better preparation.
Additionally, it mandates that party elections must be completed within six months following the general election date.
Six resolutions covering party affairs, politics, government, economy, education, and religion and culture were passed during the meeting.
Delegates emphasised that political parties should prioritise the welfare of the rakyat and avoid irresponsible actions in overseeing the implementation of government policies.
They agreed that the government should maintain its reform agenda and formulate strategies in line with current developments to face political challenges.
Furthermore, the government was called upon to refrain from irresponsible actions and statements that could disrupt political stability, undermine foreign investor confidence and hinder the country's economic development efforts.
In a statement following the meeting, the party expressed its full support for government efforts to combat corruption and promote integrity.
It reaffirmed its commitment to implementing two principles proposed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: prohibiting family members of high officials from profiting from government projects and banning the direct award of government contracts without public tender.
