Suicide not caused by land acquisition, says brother

The younger brother of the husband who committed suicide with his wife and son at Pengerang on the first day of 2013 has denied that it was caused by the land acquisition to make way for the RM60 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project.

Pang Mao Fong, 55, called a press conference with Johor MCA vice-chairperson, Jason Teoh yesterday after paying his last respects to his brother, Jing Rong, 64, sister-in-law, Wang Ya Yee, 58, and their Down Syndrome son, Qi Hao, 20.

According to China Press, Mao Fong believed that the death had nothing to do with the land acquisition as the government has yet to start the acquisition process.

Yesterday, Chua Peng Sian, treasurer for the Coalition of Pengerang NGOs leading the anti-Rapid movement, claimed that forced relocation might be have been one of the reasons behind the suicide as the family was renting the affected land, and therefore could only receive some RM20,000 in compensation.

Mao Fong believed that Jing Rong, a patient diagnosed with depression and high blood pressure, could not bear the heavy burden of taking care of the disabled wife who had suffered from a stroke and his mentally-challenged son

“The house at Kampung Jawa, Pengerang was jointly-bought by other younger brothers for Jing Rong's family. We helped him with financial aid every month.

“My brother did not kill himself because of money. He had never complained to us,” he was quoted as saying.

Mao Fong said police questioned him for over an hour after media reported that Jing Rong committed suicide over land acquisition issues.

Hence, he demanded that the Coalition of Pengerang NGOs responsible for the speculation, and the media clarify the issue and apologise.

China Press reported that some local residents still thought that land acquisition could have been among the factors leading to the tragedy.

Teoh, who is also Gelang Patah MCA division chief, demanded that individuals and organisations that made the allegationtender an open apology, and urged all quarters not to politicise the issue for political agenda.

He said anyone making unsubstantial statements could face action under charges of sedition.

‘Duo does not understand family’s predicament’

However, vice-chairperson of the Coalition of Pengerang NGOs, Sim Seng San rebutted Mao Fong and Teoh’s claim, arguing that the duo are unable to fathom the predicament faced by Jing Rong's family as they are not locals.

“Why demand that we apologise? We will never apologise! We simply said that the land acquisition factor should not be ruled out.

"Teoh is being too sensitive,” he said, adding that the only way for Mao Fong and Teoh to find out the truth is to ‘confront the truth about the deceased’.

“If Mao Fong did help and was concerned about the family, they would not have chosen to end their lives,” Sim stressed.

The organisation's treasurer, Chua also reiterated that Jing Rong once told him that only RM20,000 of compensation will be given to the family.

According to Chua, Jing Rong was uneasy about the future.

Pengerang MCA chief, Tan Yong Seng also confirmed with China Press that Jing Rong had sought help from the MCA worried that the family will lose their home if the land was acquired.

He said that Jing Rong was in tears and had said that he will kill himself and his family.

“We promised him that MCA will help him. If they are forced to move out, we would help the family to find a new house,” said Tan.

Another local MCA office-bearer also told Sin Chew Daily that the party had helped the family to secure a RM450 monthly aid from the welfare department since June last year.

On the other hand, Johor CID chief, Hashim Haron explained in a statement yesterday that Jing Rong was overwhelmed by the burden of taking care of his wife and son.

He also said that Kota Tinggi OCPD Che Mahazan Che Aik has denied the statements of certain quarters who were reported by a local English press that the victims committed suicide due to poverty.

“Police call on the public not to twist the facts in this case,” Hashim added.