State assemblyman for Jawi (Penang) Tan Cheng Liang told the party assembly today there are many candidates in the party who are "qualified and of calibre" to replace MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik.

In chiding MCA vice-president Dr Fong Chan Onn in his infamous statement "that among 800,000 MCA members, not one is qualified to replace Ling", Tan said no leader is "indispensable".

(Tan was referring to instances of many leaders' calls to Ling to reconsider his "resignation" decision announced on May 22, describing Ling's leadership as "irreplaceable".)

"There are many, especially from the Wanita and Youth wings, who are of calibre to replace the MCA president," she said during the debate this afternoon.

However, if Ling decided to resign, he must offer a "proper explanation" to party members, she added.

On the belief that Ling's resignation issue was a "wayang", Tan noted that it did not show judging from the MCA chief's facial expressions.

Tan suggested that if there were not enough minister's posts to go around, the party should consider restricting ministerial appointments to "two terms" only.

On the succession to the MCA presidency issue, Tan said it was the delegates who have the final powers to decide.

"There is no need to quarrel or fight over this issue," she added.