Ling: Remain loyal to BN

BY MAZWIN NIK ANIS

LABIS: The Indian Progressive Front (IPF) has been reminded to remain loyal and supportive of Barisan Nasional despite facing problems gaining entry into the coalition. 

Former MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik said the coalition had always appreciated IPF’s role, commitment and support although it had not become a part of it. 

“My advice (to IPF) is to stand firm behind the Barisan. Barisan leaders will not forget what you have done for the country and the coalition,” he said at the opening of the Johor IPF Convention yesterday. 

Dr Ling urged IPF to continue playing its role in strengthening racial unity, integration and economic development so that Malaysia could remain progressive. 

He said Malaysians were lucky to have Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister as he was a “visionary man” and sensitive to the needs and aspirations of people of all races.  

GRAND START: Dr Ling, palms placed together in the traditional Indian greeting, receiving a rousing welcome as he arrives for the opening of the Johor IPF Convention in Labis on Sunday.

“I am confident Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will continue the work of Dr Mahathir when he takes over,” he said.  

He said other developing countries were impressed with Malaysia’s success and its secret lies in peace, stability, unity and the people’s sincerity in wanting to attain socio-economic success. 

“Therefore, it is important that Malaysians continue to remain united and work hard side by side irrespective of race and religion,” he said. 

Dr Ling said a good example of a “united Malaysia” was when IPF organised a fund-raising dinner for Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) in May, in which its members had contributed generously, with some of them even willing to part with their savings. 

This, he said, reflected the party members’ desire to see a positive development in the education sector.  

IPF president Datuk M.G. Pandithan paid tribute to Dr Ling, whom he said is “a good friend of IPF, the Indian community and Malaysians alike.” 

He said Dr Ling was always willing to help the community, especially those in his Labis constituency, and had contributed tremendously towards their well-being. 

Pandithan said IPF would continue giving its strong support to the Barisan, especially in the coming general election, although its wishes to join the coalition had not materialised.