The Ling-ering dynasty in MCA
Beh Lih Yi, Malaysiakini, Aug 20, 2005
Political dynasties are common around the world. This is what former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik said when quizzed on two of his sons being voted into the new party line-up. “It happens all over the world, for example the Gandhi political dynasty in India,” he told reporters when met at the sidelines of the MCA annual general assembly today.
Asked how he felt about his sons’ victories, he replied: “I have no emotions about that. I can only say congratulations to them and that their work start now.” The former transport minister, who led the party for 17 years until his resignation in 2003, also denied that his lingering influence in the party had a poignant role to play in his sons winning their respective posts. Yesterday, his eldest son Hee Leong was elected as the new MCA Youth deputy chief while his brother Hee Keat won a seat on the wing’s central committee.
No advice
Responding to a question, Ling said his sons decision to contest would not stop other talented leaders. “They were voted in because it was the choice of the delegates, it was not because their own choice. This is a democratic process,” he stressed. Asked if he had any words of wisdom for his boys, Ling replied that they are “over 21 and can make their own decisions”.
Political dynasties have also extended to another Barisan Nasional (BN) party. Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik’s son Si Pin had earlier this week won the party’s Youth deputy chief post uncontested.One of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's sons, Mokhzani, was the top-most vote getter in Umno Youth's exco committee election last September.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin is Umno Youth deputy chief. On the opposition front, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang’s son Guan Eng is now the party’s secretary-general.
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