KUALA LUMPUR: MCA has accorded its highest tribute to the late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, draping the party flag over the casket of its longest-serving president in a solemn ceremony.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the ceremony is the topmost honour bestowed by MCA, reserved for leaders who have made monumental contributions to both the party and the nation.
“This is to honour our former president who had contributed significantly to the party. In fact, this ceremony is the highest degree of honouring a person who has just passed away.
“I think he truly deserves it as the longest-serving MCA president.
“He had a lot of success stories to tell the younger generation, especially in education. As the former transport minister, he was also one of the most all-rounded ministers,” Dr Wee told reporters after the ceremony yesterday.
He highlighted that under Dr Ling’s stewardship, MCA reached its pinnacle, securing 30 parliamentary seats and 71 state seats during the 1995 general election.
“All these results, I would say, are a testimony to what he had done for the country,” he added.
The draping of the flag was carried out by six top MCA leaders.
Leading the ceremony was Dr Wee, accompanied by deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and vice-presidents Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Datuk Lawrence Low and Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
Following that, Dr Wee explained that the flag would be presented to Dr Ling’s family as a final mark of respect and gratitude from the party.
The solemn session was witnessed by hundreds of MCA members clad in the party’s official uniform, who gathered to pay their final respects.
Dr Wee said the proceedings were carried out with the utmost reverence to accommodate the grieving family.
“We had a few hundred members in party uniform just now. We have to respect the family, so we closely followed the arrangements that were made for these ceremonies,” he added.
Dr Ling, who led MCA from 1986 to 2003, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on April 4.
The funeral service will take place today at Xiao En Centre in Cheras before the cortege leaves at 11am for cremation at the Xiao En Crematorium in Nilai, Negri Sembilan.
