Media Veterans Recall Dr Ling’s Warmth, Leadership And Lasting Legacy

By N. Kuvineshwaren and Ahmad Erwan Othman

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Behind his role as a long-serving minister, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was a leader known for his warmth and openness, even welcoming members of the media into his home, recalled Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

Wong, a prominent media figure and National Journalism Laureate who covered Dr Ling for decades, described the former MCA president as a “soft-spoken but firm” politician who maintained a close relationship with the press corps throughout his career.

“Despite holding many senior positions in politics, he opened his home to reporters who covered him. I was lucky to see him up close and personal,” he told Bernama today.

Dr Ling died today aged 82,  leaving behind his wife, Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah, and their two sons, Ling Hee Leong and Ling Hee Keat.

He was the longest-serving president in MCA’s history, leading the party for 17 years.

Wong, who also served in various positions at The Star after beginning his career as a junior reporter in Penang in 1984, fondly remembered Dr Ling as a warm and down-to-earth leader who showed a more personal side beyond his role in government, including his love for singing, especially his favourite 1950s hit ‘Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)’.

He said that while the former minister was known for his personal charm, Dr Ling was equally tireless in his duties, frequently criss-crossing the country to meet grassroots members and championing the establishment of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).

“He played a major role in the transformation of Malaysia, from overseeing the construction of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to positioning Port Klang in Selangor as a global player, yet he never lost that personal touch," Wong added.

Meanwhile, the Editor’s Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia President Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang also described the late Dr Ling as a calm and soft-spoken leader whose measured approach reflected both his character and leadership style.

“He never spoke in a rush and was always calm and measured, delivering his words one sentence at a time, compelling anyone listening to focus fully,” said Kuik, recalling his experience covering Dr Ling as a journalist. 

Kuik, who is also a board member of the Malaysia Media Council, said Dr Ling played a pivotal role in strengthening Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and was widely regarded as the institution’s “father”.

“He never allowed politics to enter the campus, and as a result, TAR UMT has always remained true to its mission of providing quality education for Chinese youths,” he said.

Kuik added that Dr Ling’s dedication to the Chinese community was evident through his disciplined routine and active engagement with other leaders, including former Gerakan president, the late Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik, and former MIC president, the late Tun S. Samy Vellu, in addressing key issues.

Meanwhile, MCA, in a statement today, said the party will always remember Dr Ling's enormous contributions to the party, the nation and the country.

“His unwavering spirit, calm judgment, and far-sighted strategies will continue to serve as a model for all party leaders and members, and will always be a guiding light for our party's progress,” the statement read.

It said party president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has instructed the MCA headquarters to fly its flag at half-mast as a sign of mourning.

-- BERNAMA