LY Kim, who wrote the letter 'Back Ling for long standing contributions' (June 18), has a point. We should not forget what the MCA president has done for the Chinese Malaysian. It is unfortunate if we call for his head just because of the Nanyang takeover issue.

Many Chinese do not agree with the takeover and they have healthy and valid reasons. After all, Nanyang Siang Pau represents not just the interest of Chinese, but the views expressed in the paper also represent the ideas that are vital for Malaysia's long-term progress.

Nanyang is a clear-headed newspaper in Malaysia and the independence of its editorial must be protected.

Dr Ling Liong Sik erred in making MCA buy over Nanyang. He should offload Nanyang now since there is no lack of offer for it. That will only increase his standing among the Chinese as a leader who is humble enough to correct his mistake. Hopefully, the MCA EGM this weekend will vote for Nanyang to remain independent as a newspaper. That will support the wishes of the grassroots.

Ling must not be kicked out even if the members decide to vote against the deal. The question of leadership must be resolved before Ling resigns from his head honcho post. Lim Ah Lek should go first, since he has no interest in the presidency of the party, and members must be allowed to decide on the person to succeed Lim. Ling must also understand that the person to replace Lim is the person chosen to take over from him. This is the sacrifice of the MCA leadership must make to ensure the smooth transfer of power to the next generation of leaders.