KUALA LUMPUR: A steady stream of family members, friends and political colleagues gathered to pay their final respects to Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, as the former MCA president was laid to rest with his legacy of public service honoured by tributes and an outpouring of respect.
At his funeral service yesterday, MCA leaders, Dr Ling’s long-time friends, political associates and Chinese community figures arrived early at the Xiao En Centre in Cheras, taking turns to file past his coffin and pay their respects in a solemn and emotional atmosphere.
Dr Ling’s widow Toh Puan Ena Ling and their youngest son Datuk Ling Hee Keat stood by to acknowledge condolences from relatives, friends and well-wishers, many of whom spoke in hushed tones.
Some close friends and former comrades stepped forward to embrace family members in quiet comfort.
During the service which began at 10am, Hee Keat expressed the family’s gratitude to those who had attended the wake service over the past few days, and to the funeral ceremony.
“I am grateful to be reminded of the moments we shared, the time we spent together and the journeys we took.
“Seeing so many here to pay your last respects is overwhelming. The support, friendship and respect shown over the past few days means a great deal to us,” he said.
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, as well as former MCA deputy president Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.
At about 11am, the hearse departed from the Xiao En Centre accompanied by family members, former comrades, party members and workers and students of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology who walked alongside.
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, 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.
Others included former MCA president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, former secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh and party veterans Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, Datuk Lim Si Cheng, Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn and Datuk Hon Choon Kim.
After accompanying the hearse on foot for some distance, mourners then travelled by car and bus to the Xiao En Memorial Park in Nilai for the cremation of Dr Ling’s remains, with Dr Wee and other attendees accompanying the family.
They were joined by long-time comrades from Barisan Nasional component parties – a turnout Dr Wee said reflected the deep respect Dr Ling commanded across communities and the coalition he had helped strengthen.
He said the legacy of Dr Ling will live on in the institutions he built, the values he upheld and the many lives he touched.
“There are moments when words feel especially inadequate, and today is one of them. Though a great life has returned to the earth, the legacy he leaves behind will endure far beyond this farewell in the institutions he helped build, the values he upheld and the many lives he touched,” Dr Wee said in a tribute posted on Facebook after the funeral yesterday.
“Standing with my MCA comrades in a quiet farewell to Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, I am reminded not just of a great leader we have lost, but of a steady presence whose influence shaped so many of us in ways we may never fully express.”
Remembering his predecessor’s leadership style, Dr Wee said Dr Ling led with clarity and conviction while remaining humble.
