Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi honoured the late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, recalling his mentorship and pivotal role in Barisan Nasional’s political stability.
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi paid his final respects to former Transport Minister and MCA honorary life president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik today.
The ceremony at the Xiao En Centre was attended by dignitaries including MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Steven Sim Chee Keong, and former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, described Dr Ling as a mentor from outside UMNO from whom he learned a great deal about politics.
“I learned a lot from his work and how MCA, MIC, and UMNO operated like siblings, that’s the lesson I take from him,” he told reporters.
The UMNO president noted that Dr Ling once led MCA and served as a minister for 17 years, playing a key role in strengthening cooperation among BN component parties.
He highlighted that Dr Ling also served as BN chairman for 12 days when UMNO was temporarily banned, overseeing coalition meetings and inviting the reformed UMNO to rejoin in what he called a historic moment.
Meanwhile, Khairy Jamaluddin described Dr Ling as a highly respected statesman whose contributions he greatly appreciated.
“One of his major contributions was the political stability we saw in the 1980s and 1990s, when BN was strong,” said the former UMNO Youth chief.
He added that this stability, driven by close cooperation between MCA under Dr Ling, UMNO, and other BN parties, also helped Malaysia’s economy grow rapidly.
“I hope the political stability and strength that Tun Dr Ling brought will serve as a model for today’s BN leaders,” Khairy said.
Dr Ling passed away on Saturday at the age of 82, leaving behind his wife and their two sons, Ling Hee Leong and Ling Hee Keat.
He was among the longest-serving Cabinet members, having helmed the Transport Ministry for 17 years from 1986 until his resignation in 2003.