Saturday July 11, 2009
Yak plans low-key reunion in Brunei
By C.S. NATHAN
SEREMBAN: Businessman Yak Eng Wai, who finally found his first wife and son after more than three decades, is planning a reunion in Brunei.
The 62-year-old Singaporean, who runs a successful auto service and parts centre in the tiny oil kingdom, said he hoped the family would be able to reunite away from the public eye.
“We want it to be a private affair away from the media spotlight.
“I am certain that both my first wife and son are equally eager to meet up. I suggested meeting in Brunei as this is where I live and I want them to meet my other family too,” he said when contacted in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday.
“I hope they would come and visit me here. That is best because I plan to hold thanksgiving prayers here.”
Yak last saw Ooi Suan Im and son Ah Teck in 1974 and it was not until his quest to locate them appeared in The Star on Wednesday that he finally managed to contact them.
Yak, 62, said he could not believe his ears when he heard his grown-up son’s voice on the telephone line on Wednesday night after 35 years.
“We were both at a loss for words. I can’t wait to see them. We have so much to catch up on.
“All I know is they are both well. I don’t know if my son has got married or if I am already a grandfather.
“In fact, our first conversation was awkward. My son referred to me as Mr Yak and then ‘uncle’,” said the man, who had remarried in 1981 and has a 25-year-old daughter.
Yak said he was so excited to speak to his son that he forgot to ask him his actual name.
However, he did not ask Ooi, whom he fondly used to call Lily, if she had since remarried.
“No words can express the way I feel.
“After so many years, I had given up hope of ever seeing them again but now thanks to The Star, I have something to look forward to,” said Yak, adding that his wife and daughter were equally happy with the news.
Previous reports:
Millionaire finds his son
Many claim to be kin of millionaire trader
Millionaire in search of family
Millionaire looking for long lost wife and son
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