On the morning of January 31st, in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of MCA Youth, MCA Youth Bukit Mertajam organised a Youth Run at Taman Eko Rimba Cherok Tokun, Bukit Mertajam. The event attracted more than 400 participants from various communities, united by a shared interest in hiking, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

The event began shortly after 6am, with participants gathering at the foot of Bukit Tokun before commencing the climb at 7.30am. Participants embraced nature together, enjoying the greenery and fresh air while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle in a cheerful and harmonious setting.

This event symbolised the spirit of continuity and youthful succession within MCA Youth. Since its establishment, MCA Youth has consistently upheld the courage to speak out against injustice, voicing concerns for the party, the nation, the Chinese community and all Malaysians, while correcting numerous policies and issues detrimental to the Chinese community. This reflects the organisation’s longstanding strength and character. Over the past seventy years, it has nurtured countless leaders who have gone on to serve in politics, society and education, carrying forward MCA’s mission and responsibilities.

Malaysian youth must continue to be encouraged to remain resolute and responsible amid today’s changing political and social landscape. Only by facing challenges head on and persevering through difficulties can they continue to speak up for the people and become a driving force for reform and national development.

Malaysian Education Concerns - Classrooms and the Nation’s Future

On a separate note, on the education front, recent discussions and debates in Parliament highlighted remarks by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek that classroom construction costs have nearly doubled over the past five years, with some reaching as high as RM520,000 per classroom. Classroom construction is a basic educational necessity that should be implemented with reasonable and transparent budgeting, raising questions as to why costs have escalated so sharply.

Does this involve unreasonable contracting procedures or inflated costs at multiple levels? Is there bureaucratic or administrative wastage driving prices up? Or is there a lack of effective oversight and accountability in the use of public funds?

Education forms the foundation of the nation’s future, and abnormal increases in classroom construction costs not only burden public finances but may also delay school expansion and upgrades, ultimately affecting students. The Education Ministry must disclose detailed data, clearly explain the reasons behind the cost increases, and subject itself to full public and parliamentary scrutiny. Investment in education must prioritise students’ interests and must not become a channel for administrative wastage or improper transfer of benefits.

Meanwhile, Bukit Mertajam MCA Youth Wing Chief Tan Yang Bong thanked participants and supporters for their strong response, stating that MCA Youth would continue to promote youth and community activities, unite society, and move forward steadily in the spirit that MCA Youth represents Chinese youth and Chinese youth represent MCA Youth.

Tan Yang Bong further emphasised that youth organisations must carry forward the struggles of their predecessors, uphold the strength and spirit of the MCA Youth Wing, and play an active role in contributing to society within a democratic nation. I fully support the message that the Bukit Mertajam chief seeks to carry forward and encourage this approach in the pursuit of a more harmonious country.

Datuk Tan Teik Cheng
MCA Penang State Liaison Committee Chairman
MCA Vice President

1 February 2026

-MCA Comm-