SHAH ALAM - Media Chinese International (Malaysia) Group Editor-in-Chief Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang paid tribute to the late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, reflecting on his composed leadership, dedication to the Chinese community and lasting contributions to education and nation-building.
Through his personal reflection, Kuik offered insight into Ling’s character, describing him as a calm, disciplined and deeply committed national figure.
Recalling his years as a journalist, Kuik described the patience required to cover Ling, particularly in an era before mobile phones, when access to public figures was far more demanding.
“When I was a journalist, my newsroom often assigned me to cover Tun Ling Liong Sik. Sometimes I would see him in the morning and again in the evening.
“At times, I would spend an entire day waiting at the Transport Ministry, just to hear him say a few words on a particular issue. That was the era before mobile phones and interviewing him required immense patience.
“The most challenging part of interviewing Tun Ling was his gentle, soft-spoken manner. He never spoke in a rush, always calm and measured, delivering his words one sentence at a time, compelling anyone listening to focus fully. This reflected both his character and his leadership style,” he said.
Kuik highlighted Ling’s significant contributions to education, particularly his role in strengthening the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT).
As President of the MCA, Ling, together with his leadership team, played a key role in developing the institution, earning recognition as its father.
He ensured that politics did not interfere with the university’s environment, allowing TAR UMT to remain focused on its mission of providing quality education for Chinese youths.
Beyond education, Ling’s discipline and dedication to public service were reflected in his working routine and political leadership. Kuik said Ling consistently prepared thoroughly for Cabinet meetings and worked closely with other coalition leaders when addressing issues affecting the community.
“His dedication to the Chinese community was evident in his discipline. Every Tuesday, without fail, he stayed home to prepare for Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
“Whenever major issues affecting the Chinese community or non-Bumiputera groups arose, he would lead MCA ministers to meet with the late Lim Keng Yaik, former Gerakan President and Samy Vellu, MIC President, to discuss strategies. Under his leadership, MCA was full of energy, creativity and plans that never seemed to end,” he added.
Upon learning of Ling’s passing, Kuik expressed his condolences to the family.
“When I heard of his passing, I immediately extended my condolences to his wife, Ong Ee Nah, with a heart full of remembrance. Another outstanding national leader has left us. May he rest in peace,” he said.
Born on Sept 18, 1943, in Kuala Kangsar, Ling received his early education at King Edward VII School in Taiping and later attended the Royal Military College in Port Dickson. He went on to study medicine at the University of Singapore before serving as a doctor at Penang General Hospital.
He entered politics in 1968 upon joining MCA and was elected as Member of Parliament for Mata Kuching in 1974, later representing Labis from 1986 until 2004.
Ling held several key government roles, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government and Federal Territories Ministry, as well as deputy ministerial positions in information, finance and education.
He served as Transport Minister from Jan 7, 1986, until May 23, 2003 and led MCA as its sixth president from 1986 to 2003.
In later years, he continued contributing to education and was appointed the first chancellor of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman during its 24th convocation ceremony in 2017.