PETALING JAYA: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has paid tribute to former party chief Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, describing him as a towering statesman, nation builder and visionary whose legacy will endure through Malaysia’s institutions and generations of students.
Dr Ling passed away peacefully on Saturday (April 4) at the age of 82.
ALSO READ: Former MCA President Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik passes away at 82
In a statement on Saturday, Dr Wee told The Star that the country was bidding farewell to “an extraordinary son of Malaysia” whose life was defined by resilience, intellect and an unwavering sense of duty.
Born in 1943 in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Dr Ling was raised by his mother after his father's early death. Dr Wee said this experience instilled in him a deep sense of filial piety and compassion that later shaped his lifelong commitment to public service.
Trained as a medical doctor, Dr Ling made what Dr Wee described as a rare and profound decision to leave behind a noble profession in order to serve on a larger stage.
“As he once reflected, while medicine heals one life at a time, public service has the power to uplift millions. It was this conviction that propelled him into politics, a journey that would leave an indelible mark on our nation,” said Dr Wee.
ALSO READ: Soft-spoken but firm: Tun Ling remembered for transforming Malaysia’s transport sector
Dr Ling rose swiftly through the ranks of MCA and became the party’s sixth president during a period of significant economic and political uncertainty. According to Dr Wee, he led with courage, clarity and calm resolve, steering both the party and the Chinese community through crises, resolving longstanding challenges and restoring unity and confidence.
“His leadership not only strengthened MCA but also reinforced the position of the Chinese community within the broader national framework,” Dr Wee said.
Dr Ling served as Mata Kucing MP for three terms from 1974 to 1986 before becoming the MP for Labis, a seat he held for four terms from 1986 to 2004.
Over the course of his political career, he held several key posts, including Deputy Minister of Information, Deputy Minister of Finance and Deputy Minister of Education, before being appointed Transport Minister in 1986. He went on to helm the Transport Ministry for 17 years.
Dr Wee credited Dr Ling with playing a pivotal role in modernising Malaysia’s transport infrastructure, overseeing major projects that elevated the nation’s aviation, port and rail systems to international standards.
“His contributions helped lay the foundation for Malaysia’s growth into a globally connected economy,” Dr Wee said.
However, Dr Wee said Dr Ling’s most enduring and transformative legacy was in education.
“He firmly believed that education is the pathway to dignity, progress and opportunity. Under his leadership, educational development became a central pillar of MCA’s mission,” Dr Wee noted.
Dr Ling expanded and strengthened Tunku Abdul Rahman College, now known as Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), transforming it into a nationwide institution that opened doors to tens of thousands of students annually.
More significantly, he fulfilled a long-cherished aspiration of the community by establishing Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). After years of effort, negotiations and planning, UTAR was approved in 2001 and launched in 2002, marking what Dr Wee described as a historic milestone in Malaysia’s education landscape.
“What began as an aspiration became a thriving institution that continues to shape generations of Malaysians today,” he said.
Dr Ling’s educational vision, Dr Wee added, extended well beyond higher education institutions, encompassing rural education upliftment programmes, support for Chinese schools, the promotion of technical education and efforts to broaden access and equity.
“His efforts transformed countless lives and strengthened the foundation of our nation’s human capital,” said Dr Wee.
Even after retiring from politics, Dr Ling continued to devote himself to advancing education, ensuring that his vision would outlive his time in office.
“Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was not merely a leader, he was a nation builder, a unifier and a visionary whose legacy will live on through the institutions he built, the policies he shaped and the lives he touched,” Dr Wee said.
“On behalf of MCA, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find strength and comfort in this difficult time,” he added.
