A comprehensive study needs to be done before any decision to accept non-Chinese into MCA can be made as it involves amendments to the party’s constitution.

MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan said the process would take time and that at least two-thirds of the delegates must agree to the proposal, which possibly required an overhaul of the party including a name change.

“For now, maybe we can set up an MCA supporters club like what other parties have,” he said in Kuala Lumpur today, in response to a suggestion by MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon that the party should open its doors to non-Chinese.

Ong, who earlier opened Wanita MCA’s 41st AGM said MCA would decide at an EGM tonight in conjunction with MCA’s 63rd AGM, on the proposed amendment to the party’s constitution to allow more delegates to elect the central leadership.

“The election of top leaders before this involved only 2,400 central delegates; we plan to expand it to the divisional level which will see the involvement of about 32,000 delegates,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wanita MCA chief Heng Seai Kie was confident that the wing would also see an increase in the number of women at the central leadership and at all levels of the party by next year.

“Wanita MCA is thankful because we have received good news that the top leadership had studied and is in the process of increasing the number of women delegates in the central leadership lineup and at all levels,” she said.

Since its formation in 1975, Wanita MCA’s membership had increased from 5,105 to 448,713 in 41 years.

“As of Nov 8, Wanita MCA’s membership in the party stands at 41.5 percent,” she said.

MCA’s 63rd AGM would be officially opened by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak tomorrow.

- Bernama