KUALA LUMPUR: Former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik played a pivotal role in calming the nation’s political climate during the major crisis of 1987, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Paying his respects to the late statesman on Tuesday (April 7), the Barisan Nasional secretary-general said Dr Ling’s steady leadership was instrumental in de-escalating tensions during that tumultuous period, allowing the government to function effectively.
"The nation truly feels his loss. The services he rendered to the country are deeply meaningful.
"Therefore, Barisan accords him a special honour, as he was among those responsible for calming the political climate during the major crisis of 1987," Zambry told reporters here.
"The crisis was eventually de-escalated, and ultimately the government was able to function, and Barisan was able to continue administering the country," he added.
ALSO READ: Former MCA president Ling Liong Sik passes away
The 1987 political crisis was one of the most volatile periods in Malaysian history, marked by racial tensions and a bitter leadership struggle within Umno that threatened to fracture the Barisan coalition.
The unrest culminated in the infamous Operasi Lalang in October that year, which saw the detention of over 100 politicians and activists under the Internal Security Act, as well as the suspension of several newspapers, including The Star.
The following year, internal conflict within Umno resulted in the party being declared unlawful by the High Court, rendering then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad legally unable to retain his position within Barisan.
In February 1988, Dr Ling was appointed Barisan acting chairman after receiving the unanimous support of component parties.
He then presided over a meeting that approved the admission of the newly-registered Umno into Barisan before subsequently returning the chair to Dr Mahathir.
Looking back at this precarious time, Zambry noted that Dr Ling, who had taken over the MCA presidency just a year prior to the 1987 crisis, was heavily relied upon to navigate the community's grievances while maintaining the coalition's fragile unity.
ALSO READ: A gentleman, a giant in legacy
Zambry said Dr Ling's moderate approach helped keep Barisan intact, even when Umno faced its internal split and subsequent deregistration.
Describing Dr Ling as a "great national figure", Zambry said his contributions extended far beyond his party and left an indelible mark on the nation as a whole.
He highlighted the former transport minister's legacy as a key architect of Malaysia's racial harmony.
"He was an important architect in managing differences within the country, particularly concerning inter-ethnic and race relations.
"His approach was one of moderation. His leadership in MCA, and within the context of Barisan, placed the country in a stable and peaceful state. That is the essential ingredient for the survival and progress of a developed nation," he said.
Beyond politics, Zambry also praised Dr Ling’s dedication to expanding access to education for all Malaysians, ensuring that opportunities were provided across the board.
Dr Ling, who served as transport minister from September 1986 to May 2003, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Saturday (April 4).
