A life that shaped both community and country

In fond remembrance: Dr Ling at the launch of the UTAR Caring Community 2016 campaign. In remembering him, we are reminded not only of a political leader but also of a builder – of institutions, opportunities and of collective effort. – Picture courtesy of Sin Chew

I ATTENDED Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik’s wake not just as an academic staff member of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) but also as a Malaysian Chinese reflecting on a life that shaped both community and country.

For many young Malaysians, Dr Ling does not belong to their political era. Even for those of us trained in political science, he is often remembered as part of the “Mahathir 1.0” period, alongside Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun S. Samy Vellu, forming the backbone of the Barisan Nasional leadership in the 1990s.

Yet, his journey began much earlier. At just 31 years old, he entered Parliament as Member of Parliament for Mata Kuching in Penang (now Bagan), marking the start of a long and consequential political career.

Today, when one passes by the MCA headquarters along Jalan Ampang, its prime location beside KLCC often raises questions: How did the party secure such a valuable property?

What is less known is that the idea of strengthening party finances through grassroots contributions was championed during Dr Ling’s leadership. The initiative encouraging members to contribute RM100 for lifelong membership was both practical and symbolic. It reflected a vision of collective ownership.

I still recall teasing my mother, who attended party conventions, that perhaps a small brick in that building, or even a tile in its corridors, might have come from her RM100. Beneath the humour lies a deeper truth: Dr Ling understood the power of mobilising ordinary people towards shared institutional goals.

Politically, he was known as a careful and strategic leader. Navigating coalition politics, especially in partnership with a dominant figure like Dr Mahathir, required both pragmatism and tact. Dr Ling demonstrated an ability to manoeuvre within complex political realities while maintaining relevance for his party and constituents.

Yet, for many of us in academia, Dr Ling’s most enduring legacy lies in education. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of UTAR, an institution that has provided affordable and accessible higher education to generations of Malaysians, particularly from modest backgrounds.

What is often overlooked is that UTAR was not built on government funding but on public donations. Dr Ling himself actively participated in fundraising efforts, famously even cooking char kuey teow to raise funds.

It may sound anecdotal, even light-hearted, but it reflects a leader willing to engage directly with the community for a cause he believed in.

Like any public figure, Dr Ling was not without critics. Differences in political views existed, both across and within parties.

But perhaps what unites us, beyond political affiliations, is a shared aspiration – to see Malaysia become a better nation.

In remembering Dr Ling, we are reminded not only of a political leader but also of a builder – of institutions, opportunities, and of collective effort.

You will be missed, Sir. Thank you.

DR TAN SING PEI

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman