The 67-year-old medical doctor-turned-politician arrived at the Kajang Sessions Court, located here, at 4.45pm and appeared calm when swarmed by press photographers.
Ling, clad in a striped shirt, was accompanied by his wife Ena and two sons.
He pleaded not guilty to two charges under Section 417 and 418 of the Penal Code for cheating. If found guilty, Ling could face a jail term.
Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin then set bail at RM1 million and mention was fixed for Sept 3.
Ling, who requested time to post bail, was released on a personal bond. He will pay the amount at the Sessions Court tomorrow.
Asked if he was confident in fighting the case, he replied, "In the Palace of Justice you must feel confident."
Earlier, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail and three DPPs, including head of prosecution Tun Abdul Majid Hamzah, arrived at court around 4pm but declined to speak to the scores of journalists camping there since morning after getting wind that a VIP would be charged.
The other two DPPs were Manoj Kurup and Dzulkifli Ahmad.
Ling, a long-time cabinet minister, was also a close associate of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He was elected MP for the Mata Kuching constituency in 1974. He successfully defended his position in 1978 and 1982.
In 1986, he was elected as the MP for Labis and defended his seat in three subsequent general elections.
The sixth MCA president helmed the party for 17 years until his retirement in 2003.
In 1986, he was appointed transport minister. Prior to that, he had held the position of parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Local Government and Federal Territory, deputy information minister, deputy finance minister and deputy education minister.
Ling is the most high-profile figure to be hauled to court in recent years.
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