05/04/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026

“His Sixth MCA president and former Transport minister dies at age 82 Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com dedication, Nation mourns death of statesman Tun Dr Ling

Passing of a visionary leader KUALA LUMPUR: Former Transport minister and MCA Honorary Life president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik died yesterday morning. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong confirmed the news. Born in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, on Sept 13, 1943, Ling received his early education at King Edward VII School in Taiping, before attending the Royal Military College in Sungai Besi and completing his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Singapore in 1966. He began his career as a medical officer at the Penang General Hospital before entering politics by joining MCA in 1968. Ling was married to Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah, and the couple was blessed with two sons, Ling Hee Leong and Ling Hee Keat. He served as Mata Kuching MP for three terms (1974-1982) and subsequently represented Labis for four terms from 1986 to 1999, holding several key positions in the government, including as Parliamentary Secretary, Information deputy minister, Finance deputy minister and Education deputy minister. Ling’s last ministerial role was as Transport minister, a position he held for 17 years from 1986 until his resignation in 2003. As Transport minister, he played a key role in modernising the country’s ports and contributed significantly to the development of the KL International Airport. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Preparations for Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land for the 2026 haj season are well in place, with the first flight scheduled for April 18, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. “I have just returned from an official visit to Medina and held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Haj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, which was attended by many religious affairs ministers and haj ministers from around the world. “ Haj operations will proceed as planned. We have carried out very detailed planning and TH (Tabung Haji) has made the best possible preparations,” he said at a media conference after the 16th Convocation Ceremony of University MAIWP International yesterday. He added that TH also has a solid contingency plan to deal with any unforeseen changes. – Bernama 2026 Haj preparations proceeding smoothly

regional trade hub. “Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies was his role in the realisation of the Tanjung Pelepas Port, which today stands as one of Southeast Asia’s busiest transshipment ports.” Former Communications and Multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa recounted his personal connection with Ling. “Ling was a senior of mine at the Royal Military College, a Cabinet colleague under Tun Dr Mahathir (former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) and even my neighbour in Bukit Damansara. “His death is a significant loss to the nation. My family and I feel the departure of a close friend and neighbour.” MIC deputy president and former Human Resources minister Datuk M. Saravanan also paid tribute. “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Tun Dr Ling, a statesman who dedicated his life to the nation and the Malaysian Chinese community. “His leadership, particularly during his tenure as MCA president and minister, leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience and nation-building that will not be forgotten.”

Rahman University College (now Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) “He personally led fundraising efforts, raising RM30 million to match government grants totalling RM60 million, to complete the main campus. His visionary approach also expanded the

leadership and commitment to public service will always be remembered, and serve as an inspiration to future generations.” MCA President and former Transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong described Ling as a visionary leader

Services Act 1998 to address inefficiencies that push costs onto patients. In a statement on X, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move follows discussions at the Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting on Private Healthcare Costs with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Bank Negara Malaysia and private hospital CEOs. Dzulkefly said the ministry has invited all private hospitals to join the Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful base plan as Tier 1 providers. The pilot programme will roll out in stages across the Greater Klang Valley from July. The ministry is also set to implement Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) for payments at Tier 1 hospitals starting January 2027. DRG aims to make healthcare PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is mourning the loss of one of its most respected statesmen, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (pic) , whose decades-long service has left a lasting mark on the nation and the Malaysian Chinese community. Ling, who served as the sixth MCA president from 1986 to 2003 and as Transport minister during the same period, died yesterday at the age of 82, prompting tributes from leaders across the political spectrum. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia, expressed their condolences on his demise via the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil highlighted Ling’s enduring contributions. “I extend my deepest condolences to Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah and the entire family of Dr Ling. “He was a political figure who greatly contributed to the nation’s development, including his service as Information deputy minister from 1976 to 1982.

university with branches in Penang, Johor, Perak and Pahang. “Today, its graduates are found across the globe – a testament to his foresight and tireless dedication.” Former MCA vice-president and former National Unity deputy minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker described Ling as a steady hand during times of transformation, serving with quiet resolve, pragmatism and a deep sense of duty. “Serving as Transport minister, Ling oversaw major developments in the country’s infrastructure and connectivity. “Under his tenure, Malaysia witnessed significant progress in port expansion, aviation growth and logistics modernisation, laying the groundwork for the nation’s emergence as a

whose influence extended far beyond politics. “His life was one of unwavering determination and tireless dedication. From a doctor committed to healing others to a political leader steering the party with vision, he left an indelible mark on the history of MCA. “In the 1995 general election, the party achieved its greatest success under his leadership, winning 30 parliamentary and 71 state seats. “He won not just votes but also the hearts of the Chinese community, cementing MCA as the strongest voice for Malaysian Chinese.” Wee also highlighted Ling’s transformative contributions to Chinese education, describing them as “etched into every brick” of the Tunku Abdul

Govt moves to cut rising bills at private hospitals PETALING JAYA: Long waits and rising bills at private hospitals could soon ease as the Health Ministry is reviewing the licensing and regulatory processes under the Private Healthcare Facilities and

The Health Ministry is reviewing the licensing and regulatory processes under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 to address inefficiencies that push costs onto patients. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Network and share radiology images to avoid duplicate tests and reduce costs. – BY HARITH KAMAL

patient health outcomes. Hospitals are also encouraged to join the Malaysia Digital Health Certification

pricing more transparent and predictable while shifting from fee-for-service models to value-based care that prioritises