Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is now scouting for a Chinese political secretary and a Chinese press secretary to handle the community’s affairs, it is reliable learnt.

His two predecessors, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, also opened similar positions during their respective administrations.

Najib’s office is currently on the process of short-listing suitable candidates for the posts.

Favourite among them are two Chinese youth leaders for the position of political secretary. They are MCA central committee member Wong Nai Chee ( photo ) and Xiang Lian Youth Association secretary-general Wang Ai Chuan.

A senior journalist with a major Chinese newspaper is believed to be appointed press secretary to Najib soon. His name is not known.

Active MCA members

scah uuca talk 141205 wong nai chee A lawyer, Wong ( right ) is also former Kota Melaka MP.

He defeated former DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock in the 2004 general election but lost the seat to DAP’s Sim Tong Hin in 2008.

Within MCA, Wong was elected to the party’s central committee last year.

Meanwhile, Wang is also with MCA and is active in the party’s youth wing, holding the posts of Chinese youth consultative council secretary-general and education bureau committee member.

He is also the coordinating committee member for the national service programme responsible for Chinese affairs.

When contacted, Wong said he was not aware of the party’s recommendation, if any, to be the prime minister’s Chinese political secretary.

"The party leader has not officially told me about this," he said, adding that he is currently a full-time lawyer.

Wang also denied any knowledge of the appointment, saying that it was not convenient to discuss a rumour.

The Chinese political secretary’s post once created anxiety within MCA as the Chinese-based party was worried the premier may receive conflicting advice on matters concerning the community.