A life of service : Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik with the media at his last press conference as the Transport Minister in his office in Kuala Lumpur in 2003. The medical doctor-turned-politician passed away peacefully in Kuala Lumpur on April 4, 2026 at the age of 82.
China Press exclusive
Reporter: Ng Siew Chin
Kuala Lumpur.
April 6, 2026
Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was a kind hearted man who, despite the notoriously cruel nature of politics, always focussed on the “big picture”- prioritizing the interests of the people and nation.
The former Malaysia Chinese Association (MCA) president and Transport Minister for 17 years (1986- 2003) never spoke publicly about those who had betrayed his trust.
The Star reporter Foong Pek Yee who was primarily responsible for covering MCA and Chinese community issues observed that Dr Ling was an intelligent, smart and charismatic leader who was deeply loved by party members.
In an interview with China Press, she described MCA under Dr Ling’s leadership as vibrant and proactive in reaching out to the masses, especially the Chinese community.
The focus was on benefitting the people through education, particularly those from lower socio economic background, providing them with opportunities for a brighter future.
She said that regardless of the occasion or situation, Dr Ling was always courteous and maintained his stature.
Foong recalled that Dr Ling maintained a harmonious relationship with the media.
He met the media twice a week apart from his other events for press coverage. He could remember the reporters’ names.
The media would be at his ministry in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday for a press conference after the weekly Cabinet meeting.
The then MCA president also held weekly presidential council meetings at MCA headquarters in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, and the media would be there to get updates on matters regarding the party and Chinese community.
Dr Ling was known to have a phenomenal memory.
“When fielding questions from the media, he was always concise and would provide progress reports on various ministerial projects. There were so many development projects then that the media almost always had news to write after every press conference.
“”Even when MCA faced crises or when incidents involving his ministry occurred – such as the Subang Airport fire in the early 1990s, he remained calm and composed. There were even times when the media requested him to show some emotion,” Foong recalled.
