special report Of the young stars rising in MCA, none is more prominent than Ling Hee Leong, the son of ex-party president Dr Ling Liong Sik.

But while he has benefited from his father's political influence to become Youth deputy head in 2005, he has had a rough time winning the approval of his peers.

This has not prevented him from seeking support at the grassroots, aided by an 'eat, drink and be merry' approach to building the relationship. During Chinese New Year, it was reported that he held celebrations at 50 venues nationwide.

Party sources said he recently provided several boxes of expensive liquor to share with supporters, as he anticipates contesting a significant seat the next party election.

Hee Leong is said to be interested in Kampar, a parliamentary seat in Perak that also hosts the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, which Liong Sik initiated. As such, political resources will not be lacking.

In addition, the incumbent is Hew See Tong, a former treasurer general who served under Liong Sik.

However, MCA Perak liaision chief Ong Ka Chuan ( photo ) could throw a spanner in the works if he opts to contest in Kampar - this could see Hee Leong being relegated to Gopeng.

When contacted, Hee Leong said: "It is up to the prime minister (as Barisan Nasional chairperson) to appoint candidates."

Buzz over likely faces

Another possible candidate, Wanita MCA central committee member Ling Lae Feei, could contest in the Seputeh parliamentary seat, now held by DAP's Teresa Kok.

A lawyer from Pahang, Lae Feei is active in several bodies including the Life Line Association of Malaysia.

However, she said she has not been informed of possible candidacy and would neither confirm nor deny her willingness to stand in the general election.

MCA president Ong Ka Ting's political secretary Oong Boon See is said to be another likely candidate, since he is the most senior member aide.

Oong, from Ulu Yam, had previously served as Leong Sik's press secretary. However, he responded to questions with a text message that only said "No comment".

Three of the Young Turks have been dubbed the 'UM mafia' in relation to their common background as graduates of Universiti Malaya and who were active in reviving its Chinese Language Society in the 1980s.

The trio comprise MCA publicity bureau deputy chairperson Lee Wei Kiat, humanity building unit (Lifelong Learning Programme) deputy head Dr Hou Kok Chung and Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia vice-chairperson Ter Leong Yap ( photo ).

Ter is president of the Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chief executive officer of a private company.

There is speculation in the Chinese media that he will stand in Klang, given his high profile and recent intervention in the Klang Hokkien Association's elections. However, political pundits do not share this view, while he has denied any such plan.

Parliamentarians Tan Yee Kew and Teh Kim Poo, each from difference faction in MCA, are eyeing the seat. Selangor liaison chief Ch'ng Toh Eng is also said to be interested.

Lee, now the Subang division chief, has risen to prominence for publicly defending party leaders via the media.

Asked to comment on talk that he could be selected to contest the Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat, he said he has not heard of this.

"As a political worker, I will do my best to serve voters. (Candidates) get the nod if they have performed," he said.

Part 1: MCA on makeover mission before election

Part 3: MCA: New blood but old culture?