PETALING JAYA: A deep-thinking leader who spoke little but achieved much, a unifier during times of severe political crisis, and a visionary who laid the educational foundations for generations of Malaysian students.
These are the enduring legacies of former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, who passed away yesterday at age 82, as remembered by past party presidents.
Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan said Dr Ling was a trusted friend and loyal comrade with a quiet wit.
“He was a quiet, deep-thinking and a serious-minded leader,” he said.
During strategic discussions involving complex issues, Dr Ling was usually the last to speak, preferring to listen carefully and weigh every perspective before giving his opinion, according to Tan.
“That quality commanded great respect,” he said.
This, said Tan, offered a lesson for younger politicians.
“Think before you speak, and when you speak, speak only the truth,” he said.
Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting described Dr Ling as one of the country’s most influential leaders, whose tireless efforts left an indelible mark on nation-building.
“I had the privilege of serving under his leadership, where I witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to public service and his nation-first ethos,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, Ong pointed to Dr Ling’s profound educational contributions, including promoting the Langkawi Education Development Programme, adding that TAR UMT and UTAR stand as enduring legacies of his foresight.
Echoing these sentiments, Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who has known Dr Ling since 1985, said Dr Ling was instrumental in the development of Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Within the Chinese community, he said Dr Ling’s legacy was cemented by the establishment of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
“Even after his retirement, he continued to oversee the completion of the UTAR Hospital in Kampar. I salute his dedication to serving the nation,” he added.
Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai paid tribute to Dr Ling’s 17-year tenure, noting his immense patience and strategic foresight.
Dr Ling steered MCA through its most turbulent periods, including the 1983-1984 party crisis and the 1986 cooperative financial scandal.
Crucially, Liow highlighted Dr Ling’s role as acting Barisan Nasional chairman in preserving the coalition’s unity when the courts declared Umno unlawful in the late 1980s.
“Dr Ling facilitated the admission of the newly formed Umno Baru into Barisan. This is one of MCA’s most important contributions, ensuring that Barisan continued to be united,” he said when contacted.
Liow said Dr Ling also fought to correct deviations in the New Economic Policy (NEP) and tackled the 1987 vernacular school crisis.
Even after retiring, Dr Ling he remained a guiding force, he said.
Liow said he took over as the 10th MCA president in 2013 during the party’s lowest ebb, and had sought the elder statesman’s counsel.
“His thinking was very strategic. He always advised that whatever action you take, you must know the consequences and whether you can shoulder them,” he added.
