Hee Leong makes a grand entry

The home is where it all begins. Anyone growing up in a politically-charged atmosphere, where politics is as much a part of the dinner menu as any other dish, will be exposed to all the right ingredients for a political future. Parents may not deliberately chart the political path for their children and some, in fact, would choose to travel other paths, away from the public spotlight. More interestingly, some may even choose to go political, but via a different party. Still, it is always the homes of our political leaders that are closely watched to see if the children will follow in their footsteps. In this political season for both the MCA and the Gerakan, we focus on Hee Leong and Hee Keat, sons of former MCA chief Tun Ling Liong Sik and also Lim Si Pin, son of Gerakan chief Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik. 

HE grew up in an environment where politics was the order of the day. Even conversations during family dinners revolved around it. Ling Hee Leong has never known any other life.  

“I was born into a political family and got involved at an early age. It was only natural that at a certain point in time that I got actively involved,” said the new MCA deputy youth chief. 

On Friday, the eldest son of former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, received the highest number of votes among the four who slugged it out for the post.  

Hee Leong (left) and younger brother Hee Keat may be different in character but they profess to have a firm relationship. - STARpic by Darran Tan

The other three candidates were MCA Youth secretary-general Loh Seng Kok, Seri Kembangan assemblyman Datuk Liew Yuen Keong and Simon Lim, the Youth legal bureau head. 

The only time, he added, when he was not surrounded by the topic was when he was studying overseas. 

“But even then, you would still read in the papers about some election or issue. And it would come up when talking to my parents over the phone.  

“In fact, my friends who used to come for dinners or join me on holidays were also from the same circle,” he said. 

With a friendly disposition and a ready smile, Ling received boisterous applause when the results were announced.  

In fact, even before the announcement was made, the press photographers and television cameras were clamouring to get a shot of him and his brother, Hee Keat. 

After maintaining a “cool” spirit the whole day and asking their supporters repeatedly to wait until the official results were out, the two gamely posed for the cameras before and after the announcement. 

Ling, 36, also handled numerous telephone calls from supporters and family members who were impatient to know the outcome of the day.  

“I tell people that if I had chosen to be a farmer or a doctor, my father would have been happy. He would be happy with whatever we become as long as we make an honest living. 

“My mother calls me every day whether I am overseas or on the road. It is very nice.  

“I thank God every day that I get to do whatever I am doing,” said the London School of Economics graduate. 

He is married to Carol Ong Lee Choo and they have a son, Sonny Jr, 10. 

Politically, he has been the Kuala Kangsar MCA division Youth chief, Perak wing vice-chairman and MCA Youth adviser for Perak, Kelantan, Sabah and Federal Territory. 

He served in the MCA Youth Central Committee after being appointed in 1996. He was once a committee member of the Federal Territory MCA Youth. 

Of his months of campaigning, Ling said everything went according to schedule mainly due to the effort put in by his team and the fact that he enjoyed doing his job.  

On regular days, it is coffee in the morning before heading off to office with his mother Toh Puan Ena Ling.  

Then it is discussions and meetings before heading home. During his free time, he reads (science fiction, Egyptian history and biological material) and plays golf. 

Declaring that he enjoyed spending time with the grassroots, Ling said that it was important to carry out research and go to the people. 

“If you do advertising, people have got to know the product. The product has got to be there. In this case, I am the product. I have gone fishing and played badminton with them. I love doing it,” he said.  

Ling added that it was important to have an effective team in order to do right by the people besides knowing what the people wanted. 

And the go-getter is raring to kick off his term especially helping youth in areas like job placement or starting up their own business.  

“It is not just for the Chinese but for everyone.  

“We will discuss with them the issues, talents that they have and what can be done. If this is not done, then the Youth will keep on repeating the same mistakes,” he added.  

On principles of life, he said while his father was a fervent reader of Sun Tzu's Art of War, the influence was somewhat diluted on him.  

“It is a more aggressive version and my philosophy is to get it done today. I will not sleep until it is finished. Even when I am finishing a storybook, I can read until 6am. I was up until 3.30 this morning reading a book,” he said.  

Declaring that he was born happy, Ling said that he was a “bit quiet” until the world grew on him. 

“I am always the most content and happiest. I am happy every day because I am not going to crack up over the small things,” he said.  

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