BUTTERWORTH: The Bagan MCA division is flying the party flag at half-mast at its premises along Jalan Kampung Benggali in remembrance of former president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.
Its chairman, Dr Tan Chuan Hong, said Dr Ling had a long-standing connection with the Bagan parliamentary constituency, with the clinic where he served in the 1960s still standing at the same location beside the party premises.
He said the clinic has since been taken over by someone else, although the signboard remains unchanged.
Tan recalled Dr Ling’s service to the community through “Ling Clinic”, noting that its white letters on a black background are now faded.
“When I was a child, my father took me to his clinic for treatment. My impression of Dr Ling was that he was sincere and kind-hearted,” he said on Sunday (April 5).
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Born in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Dr Ling served as Transport Minister from 1986 to 2003. Prior to that, he was Deputy Information Minister, Deputy Finance Minister and Deputy Education Minister.
A medical graduate of the University of Singapore, he began his political career in Penang, where he served as Mata Kuching MP from 1974 to 1986.
The constituency was later abolished and split into Bagan and Tasek Gelugor during a redelineation exercise.
Tan recalled that during election periods, Dr Ling would visit the locals, leaving him with a strong early impression of MCA.
“His approachable style and leadership inspired me to join MCA in 1986, at the age of 19,” said Tan, who is also Penang MCA vice-chairman.
He said Dr Ling was a hands-on leader who actively stayed in touch with the grassroots.
“During his tenure as MCA president, the party’s central and divisional leadership worked closely to actively promote grassroots services, striving to gain the support of voters and the Chinese community.
“He led the party through a period of remarkable achievements, and I hope grassroots members will always remember his contributions and keep serving the people at the forefront of their work,” said Tan.
