A Final Salute to OP Tun Dato’ Seri Dr. Ling Liong Sik
A number of OPs gathered on Monday afternoon at Pusat Xiao En to pay our final respects to OP Tun Dato’ Seri Dr. Ling Liong Sik.
Dressed in our OPA ties, with past and present committee members and fellow OPs in planters order, we arrived alongside a steady stream of visitors. The turnout was significant, reflecting OP Tun Ling’s stature as a national figure. Former ministers, senior leaders, and members of the public were all present to honour a life of service.
As we made our way towards the memorial hall, something quietly striking happened. Among the crowd, many began to notice us. The tie, the crest, the shared identity. There was a sense of recognition, and with it, a quiet sense of pride.
At about 2:30pm, close to 40 OPs assembled to offer our respects. We lined up before the altar and, under the guidance of our OP President Micheal Yam and OP Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, we bowed three times. Moments later, we observed a minute of silence and rendered our final salute. It was simple, orderly, and unified, reflecting the discipline and values instilled in us at the RMC.
We were then ushered forward.
As we walked past, we saw OP Tun Ling lying peacefully. In that moment, everything came together. He was dressed with care, and around his neck was the OPA tie.
The same tie that had drawn attention earlier. The same tie that quietly signalled who we are.
In a brief exchange with his family, it was shared that this was his most cherished tie, the one he chose for his final journey.
And it was then that a few questions began to form.
Why would a man of such stature, a former Minister, a national leader, choose to be remembered in this way?
What did it mean to him, to be an OP?
OP Tun Ling’s life speaks for itself. His contributions to the nation, his leadership, and his unwavering support to the Old Putera Association, including his efforts in raising funds for the completion of Bangunan OPA, are well remembered. But beyond these achievements, there was something deeper. A sense of identity. A sense of belonging. A quiet pride in being part of something that shaped him.
Even in his final moments, that identity remained.
Perhaps the more important question is not about him, but about us.
Do we carry that same sense of pride?
Do we contribute meaningfully to the institutions that shaped us?
Do we live in a way that reflects the values we often speak of, “Serve to Lead”?
OP Tun Ling did not need to say it. He showed it.
And perhaps, in that final image of an OP in his OPA tie, he has left us with a reminder that will endure far beyond words.
In Honour of,
OP Tun Dato’ Seri Dr. Ling Liong Sik
(B Coy; 1958–1961)
President, Old Putera Association
(1979–1981)
With pride and unity,
Old Putera Association
