MCA's annual Chinese New Year open house event will do away with designated tables and instead adopt a "cocktail style" setting.

Party secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said this will allow party leaders to mingle freely with guests now that they don't need the same security protocol as when the party was in power.

"All the central committee members and MCA leaders will be standing, just like at a cocktail party and it will be interactive. This year will be different as there will be no more dinner table setting.

"Sofa seats will be given to the VVIPs and some banquet chairs for veterans, ambassadors and NGO leaders.

"We want the public to feel that we are together and no longer divided like last time. These are some of the changes we are trying to make for the party," he said, according to The Star.

The event will start at 8.30am at the MCA headquarters this Saturday.