KUALA LUMPUR: A big crowd of family members, friends and party colleagues gathered to bid a final farewell to former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik at his funeral service on Wednesday (April 8).
The service, which began at 10am, saw relatives, close friends and party members paying their last respects in a solemn ceremony.
In his eulogy, Dr Ling’s second son, Hee Keat, expressed gratitude to those who had attended the wake over the past few days.
“I am happy to be reminded of the moments we shared, the time we spent together and the journeys we took. Seeing so many here today to pay their last respects is overwhelming. The support, friendship and respect shown over the past few days mean a great deal to us,” he said.
ALSO READ: Photo Gallery: Thousands bid farewell to Dr Ling
Following the ceremony, members of the public were asked to leave the hall to allow the family a private moment for their final farewell.
Among those who remained were Dr Ling’s former political secretary and former MCA president, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, and his wife, Puan Sri Wendy Chong Siew Mei, former MCA deputy president Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.
At about 11am, the hearse slowly departed from the Xiao En Centre, accompanied by family members, former comrades, party members and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and TAR UMT staff and students who walked alongside to pay their final respects.
ALSO READ: Medical treatment abroad keeps Hee Leong away from Dr Ling's funeral, says brother
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, 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.
Dr Ling, MCA’s sixth president, served as transport minister from 1986 to 2003. He passed away last Saturday (April 4) at the age of 82.
His wake was held at the Xiao En Centre in Cheras from Monday to Tuesday, with the public paying their respects from noon to 9pm.
The cortege will proceed to the Xiao En Memorial Park in Nilai for the cremation of Dr Ling's remains.
