Former MCA chief Ling Liong Sik dies

Former MCA president Ling Liong Sik passed away earlier today (April 4) at the age of 82.

According to The Star, Ling’s passing was confirmed in a message sent to the trustees of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, where he served as chancellor.

Bernama also quoted MCA president Wee Ka Siong, who confirmed the matter.

Ling was born in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, and served as transport minister from 1986 to 2003 during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's first tenure as prime minister.

He rose through the ranks as a deputy minister for information, finance, and education, before becoming a full minister.

Ling was first elected as the MP for Mata Kuching, Penang, in 1974 and defended the now-abolished seat in the next two general elections (1978 and 1982).

He later won the Labis parliamentary constituency in 1986 and held the seat for four terms.

Ling retired from the political arena in May 2003.

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