Malaysia mourns death of former transport minister Ling Liong Sik at 82

Former Malaysian transport minister Ling Liong Sik died on Saturday. He was 82.Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president Wee Ka Siong confirmed the news to Bernama when contacted on Saturday. “We received the sad news of Tun Dr Ling’s passing today. Further details will be announced from time to time,” he said.Ling’s death was also conveyed in a message sent to the trustees of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, where he served as chancellor.In a statement to The Star on Saturday, Wee said the country was bidding farewell to “an extraordinary son of Malaysia” whose life was defined by resilience, intellect and an unwavering sense of duty.Ling was raised by his mother after his father’s early death, instilling in him a deep sense of filial piety and compassion that later shaped his lifelong commitment to public service, Wee said.Then MCA president Ling Liong Sik, (left) and prime minister Mahathir Mohamad thank supporters during the 48th MCA annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur on August 4, 2001. Photo: APBorn in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, the MCA’s honorary life president served as transport minister from 1986 to 2003. Before this, he held the positions of deputy information minister, deputy finance minister and deputy education minister.