KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid his last respects to the late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, paying tribute to the former MCA president’s immense contribution to the nation and recalling their decades-long friendship.
Anwar, on behalf of his family and the government, also expressed his deepest condolences to Dr Ling’s wife, Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah and her family.
“I am here to express my condolences to Toh Puan, representing my family and the country, to remember the massive contributions of Dr Ling to the nation.
“Under his helm of the Transport Ministry, several major developments and major milestones happened,” said Anwar to reporters after visiting the wake on Monday (April 6).
Anwar also shared fond personal memories of Dr Ling, saying that they had known each other way back when he was an Umno leader in Penang.
“He was also a good friend of my late brother. Our connection traces back to the Bagan parliamentary constituency, formerly known as Mata Kuching, which is right next to Permatang Pauh.
“Naturally, we navigated the political landscape together, right up to the time he became the MCA president and I was in the Umno leadership back then,” he said.
Anwar also said their close relationship, which was built upon cooperation, spanned across Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
“During those days in Penang and KL, we spent a lot of time together and worked closely together.
“I deeply appreciate his contributions, not only to MCA but also to the country, particularly his legacy at the Transport Ministry,” he said.
Dr Ling, who served as Transport Minister from Sept 1986 to May 2003, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Saturday (April 4).
