MCA vows to uphold, continue and expand initiatives started by Dr Ling
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA will never let up on its fight for education, especially for deserving underprivileged students regardless of their race, says its president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
This commitment, he said, is deeply rooted in MCA’s philosophy and builds upon the foundation laid by former party president, the late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.
According to Dr Wee, institutions such as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) had always opened their doors to students of all backgrounds.
“Many might not know this, but we also have a special scheme for students in the rural interiors of Sabah. We sponsor their tertiary education so they can continue their studies,” he said.
Yesterday, Dr Wee led top party leaders to pay their last respects to Dr Ling who passed away on April 4 at the age of 82.
They extended their condolences to Dr Ling’s wife Toh Puan Ena Ling and family.
Dr Wee shared that he recently received a message from a TAR UMT staff member whose studies at the university were sponsored by the late Dr Ling.
“He told me he was an adopted child of Tun and he was deeply saddened (by his passing). He shared how his adoptive father had fully sponsored his university studies until he graduated and eventually came to serve at TAR UMT.
“This is just one example I can share. I truly feel that Tun contributed to all segments of society,” he said.
Dr Wee said Dr Ling’s vision for education began making a massive impact in the 1990s, particularly through initiatives like the Langkawi Project.
“I feel this was all Tun’s brainchild. The Langkawi Project in the 1990s successfully raised awareness among parents about the importance of language mastery and basic education up to the university level.
“Because of that, we also had student outreach projects where TAR students would be on the ground to understand the hardships faced by villagers. It was a highly successful campaign,” he said.
At the same time, Dr Wee said Dr Ling had utilised his vast experience and extensive networking to help build the university campuses, describing them as crucial assets not just for the party, but for the entire community.
Dr Wee also highlighted Dr Ling’s crucial role in the government when amending the Education Act in the 1990s.
“This has always been MCA’s philospophy which emphasises the education aspect. Tun Dr Ling was the leader who helped amended the Education Act which was accepted by all layers of society,” he said.
Moving forward, Dr Wee said MCA would not only continue but expand upon education and healthcare initiatives started by Dr Ling.
“We will continue the UTAR and TAR UMT agenda. The UTAR Hospital in Kampar, which is also Dr Ling’s idea, has assisted many patients.
“Raising over RM300mil in public funds to build a teaching hospital for a private university is not an easy feat. It is a massive contribution and we will ensure that this agenda is continued and expanded,” he added.
Dr Wee said MCA leaders should emulate Dr Ling who is known to be rational, unemotional, firm and strategic in realising his vision.
“He had always given his views and advice to the young. He was also very concerned about our children’s education.
“That is why in MCA, our priority is education and we will continue with this,” he said.
Dr Wee also said a special ceremony will be held at 4pm today to drape the coffin of Dr Ling with the MCA party flag, which is the highest tribute accorded to a party leader.
“This is a big loss to the country,” he said.
Dr Ling was MCA president for 17 years.
He also served as Transport Minister from September 1986 to May 2003.
