Penang MCA has urged its members to be "proactive" because the next general election is fast approaching.

Members have been urged to update their personal information at the party's divisional level offices and also claim their free insurance or cash handouts under the "Tribute to MCA veterans" and "Happy Mother's Project".

The "Tribute to MCA veterans" scheme provides a RM100 handout to party members who are 60 and above, while the "Happy Mother's Project" provides a RM200 handout to party members who have a baby in 2017.

Penang MCA also urged party members to return to their hometowns and touch base with their respective local MCA committee members.

The new Penang MCA organising secretary, Dr Tan Chuan Hong, said he believes that the general election is just around the corner and party members must therefore be prepared.

"MCA members should voluntarily and spontaneously go home to help, especially in Penang where MCA became the opposition party," Tan said.

Recruitment contest

He said that Penang MCA was transforming through a series of initiatives aimed at improving the party's image.

This includes the "Revival of Penang MCA!" campaign, "Recruiting new members" and "Updating old members data" contests.

"The competitions aim to encourage MCA divisions to retrieve old members, identify them and update their personal data to establish a good interaction with MCA.

"In addition to strengthening their capability in cyber war, division leaders are encouraged to actively talk to the grassroots, stand with the people and listen to and serve the people to win more votes," Tan said.

The party also plans to recruit more new members to inject new blood and strengthen the grassroots power of Penang MCA.

"Divisional and grassroots leaders who perform well will be praised at the Penang MCA state annual general assembly," he added.