KUALA LUMPUR: Anthony Loke led a delegation from the Transport Ministry to pay their final respects to the late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, honouring his monumental legacy in shaping Malaysia’s infrastructure.
The DAP secretary-general, who arrived with several DAP leaders, said it was only fitting for the ministry to formally pay tribute to its longest-serving minister.
“As the current Transport Minister, we certainly remember and appreciate the services of Dr Ling. That is why today, I brought a delegation from the Transport Ministry to officially pay our respects to him,” Loke told reporters at the wake on Tuesday (April 7).
Dr Ling helmed the Transport Ministry for 17 years, from 1986 to 2003.
Loke noted that many of the country’s most vital logistical and transport hubs were born during Dr Ling’s tenure.
“In that long period, he contributed immensely to the country. Many of the transport infrastructures we rely on today were initiated during his leadership as minister, including Westports, the KLIA and our double-tracking railway project.
“He certainly leaves behind a massive legacy in the national transport sector. Therefore, I am here representing the ministry to pay our last respects and extend our deepest condolences to his family,” Loke added.
Also present here was Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, who remembered Dr Ling as a political titan with close personal ties to his own family.
“We all knew Dr Ling; he was truly a giant figure in Malaysian politics. The initiatives he implemented during his time as a leader have had a lasting impact on the nation’s development, which we can still see today,” Gobind said.
Beyond politics, Gobind also said his late father, former DAP chairman Karpal Singh had a personal connection with Dr Ling.
“To me, he was a friend of my late father. They attended the same university, so there were many stories that we shared.
“Because of that family connection, I am also here today to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Gobind.
Dr Ling, who led MCA from 1986 to 2003, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Saturday (April 4).
