07/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 7, 2026

6

Farewell to a statesman

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, humility and vision – a statesman whose work in transport, education and public service shaped modern president Ling Liong Sik’s vision helped shape M’sia’s transport, education and nation-building Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com o From KLIA to Port Klang and Utar, former MCA

and provided a brighter future for generations. “His humility and gentle leadership set a standard for many to follow. We mourn the loss of a true Malaysian icon. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones.” Ling also briefly served as acting prime minister and Barisan Nasional chairman in 1988 during a critical period for the ruling coalition. Krishnamoorthy described him as a leader whose humility and service left a lasting mark on the nation, noting that Ling’s legacy will continue to influence Malaysia for generations to come. The public can pay their respects at the Xiao En Centre from 12pm to 9pm today and tomorrow. The funeral service will be held at the centre on Thursday, April 8, before the cortege departs at 11am for cremation at the Xiao En Crematorium in Nilai, Negri Sembilan.

“From the development of Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the transformation of our maritime industry, his legacy is etched into the very infrastructure of Malaysia,” he said, extending condolences to Ling’s family. Ling was also MCA’s lifetime honorary president and among the longest-serving Cabinet members, having held the Transport Ministry portfolio for 17 years from 1986 until his resignation in 2003. He played a key role in modernising Port Klang, turning it into a global transshipment hub. Krishnamoorthy also highlighted Ling’s contributions to education, particularly his role in the establishment and development of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), where he later served as chancellor. “He was more than a politician; he was a caring and dedicated servant of the people. His work in education has touched countless lives

Malaysia. The quiet grace and enduring legacy of Ling continue to resonate, with author and adjunct professor M. Krishnamoorthy remembering him not only as a tireless leader, but also as a man whose gentle guidance touched countless lives. Ling, 82, passed away on April 4, leaving behind his wife, Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah and two sons, Ling Hee Leong and Ling Hee Keat. Krishnamoorthy, who once served as Ling’s speechwriter, recalled accompanying him and his wife on a two-week overseas study tour to Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States in 1995. During the visit, Ling also delivered a commencement address at Campbell University. Describing Ling’s years in public office, he said the former MCA president was defined by his tireless commitment to national progress.

Ling (left) during a Barisan Nasional meeting with former BN leaders in the early 1990s. Also in picture is former PM and BN chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. – PIC COURTESY OF WEE KA SIONG FACEBOOK MCA leaders, public pay final respects KUALA LUMPUR: Former transport minister and MCA honorary life president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was accorded final respects at a wake at the Xiao En Centre here yesterday. The solemn ceremony began around noon, with MCA leaders and members of the public paying their respects through flowers and prayers. deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and vice-presidents Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng, Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Datuk Lawrence Low Ah Keong and Datuk Tan Teik Cheng. Visitors also viewed a montage highlighting the late leader’s life and public service, celebrating his decades-long contributions to Malaysia. Wee said a special coffin-sealing MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong led the party delegation, which included

Ling (right) with Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek, a former Cabinet minister of Human Resources in the 1990s and former MCA deputy president. – PIC COURTESY OF WEE KA SIONG FACEBOOK

Westport into one of the world’s busiest ports and the double-tracking of the national railway system,” Wee said. He added that Ling’s contributions to education had created opportunities for tens of thousands of graduates, including students from rural areas, through institutions such as Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (now TAR UMT) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. – Bernama.

ceremony would be held at 4pm today, during which Ling’s casket will be draped with the MCA flag as the party’s highest tribute. He described him as a visionary statesman whose work in transport and education had left an enduring mark on the nation. “He was the driving force behind major developments in ports, aviation and rail transport, including the expansion of

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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