Anwar said former MCA president Ling, who died on Saturday at the age of 82, was a seasoned statesman who rendered invaluable service to his party and the nation.
Ling, who was the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) chancellor, served as transport minister from 1986 to 2003, during which time he also helmed MCA.
“I came here to extend my condolences to Ling’s wife and family on behalf of the nation,” Anwar told reporters here as he paid his last respects at Ling’s wake today.
“Ling made immense contributions to the country, particularly in the transport ministry, where many major programmes were implemented under his leadership.”
Melaka governor Ali Rustam described Ling as a hardworking and dedicated minister who was always thinking of ways to improve Malaysia’s transport services across land, air and sea.
He also recalled working closely with Ling during his time as deputy transport minister, including the development of KLIA.
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said Ling’s passing was deeply felt, both personally and nationally.
“He was an extraordinary man who lived during an important period in Malaysia’s history. His legacy, his work, and his service to the country will always be remembered.
“As members of the Cabinet today, we reflect on that era and understand that what we are doing now is a continuation of what leaders like Ling had started,” he said.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, former MCA president Liow Tiong Lai, Gerakan president Dominic Lau, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Ng Yih Pyng, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, and Mukhriz Mahathir were also among those present at the wake.
Ling briefly served as acting prime minister for about two weeks in 1988 following the deregistration of Umno after an internal leadership dispute escalated into a legal challenge over the party’s validity.
He launched his political career in 1968 when he joined MCA, becoming a central committee member in 1974.
He won the Mata Kuching (now Bagan) parliamentary seat in 1974, holding it for two more terms, and was elected Labis MP in 1986, a seat he held for four terms.
Ling served as deputy information minister (1976-1982), deputy finance minister (1982-1984) and deputy education minister (1985-1986) before being appointed transport minister in 1986, succeeding Chong Hon Nyan, who retired.