MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong said the group’s decision to go on another path would not affect MCA, citing the party’s extensive political history.

He said the latest development presented the party with a good opportunity to strengthen itself and attract new talent.

“MCA needs to be close to the grassroots and heed the people’s aspirations, while daring to initiate changes for the sake of a better future.

“As the next generation of leaders in the party, MCA Youth is working towards executing holistic transformation (of the wing) which comprises young leadership, digital approaches and progressive policies,” he told FMT.

Leong, who was a political secretary to former MCA president Liow Tiong Lai, announced on Monday that he had quit the Barisan Nasional component to join Bersatu.

He reportedly submitted about 100 other membership applications to Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin at a breaking-fast event in Bentong, Pahang.

Leong was also immediately appointed as the head of the Pahang and Bentong chapters of Bersatu’s associate wing, which caters to non-Bumiputeras.

When contacted, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon simply said he was “very disappointed with Leong’s actions”.