KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid his last respects to former transport minister and MCA honorary life president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik today, following his passing on Saturday (April 4).
Also present at the wake at the Xiao En Centre were MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
Anwar said he came to the wake to extend his condolences to Dr Ling's wife Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah and the family on behalf of the nation, and to remember the deceased's immense contributions to the country.
"Personally, he was a close friend of my elder brother. The Bagan Parliamentary constituency is next to Permatang Pauh, so we naturally moved together in politics until he became the MCA president, and I was with UMNO at that time.
"What is important is that throughout our personal relationship in Penang and in Kuala Lumpur, we spent a lot of time together and worked closely, and I appreciate his contributions, not only to the MCA but also to the country, especially at the Transport Ministry,” he said.
Anwar was speaking to the media after visiting Dr Ling's wake, where he spent some time meeting those present at the centre.
Dr Ling died on Saturday at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife and their two sons Ling Hee Leong and Ling Hee Keat.
The deceased was among the longest-serving Cabinet members, having helmed the Transport Ministry for 17 years from 1986 until his resignation in 2003.
