SHAH ALAM - MCA's youngest candidate in Mengkibol, Johor has made voters question her capabilities and leadership skills but the party stands by her.
MCA Youth chief Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting said the 26-year-old candidate deserves the opportunity as the move is not just to fill in the minimum 30 percent quota for women in politics.
The candidate is Kelly Chye Pei Yee, a lawyer.
"We are not forced to fill in female and youth candidates, but we choose to do so based on their capabilities,” said Wong at Sinar Daily’s talkshow, Relatable, titled 'Breaking the Bias: Are there enough women in the Johor polls?'.
The show was also attended by DAP Women Wing’s International Secretary Kasthuri Patto and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar.
Wong said it is crucial to place confident, charismatic and are known to be problem solvers.
"MCA made the right choice and we welcome our newcomers to replace the older ones,” she said.