S’porean who died in blast lost her father less than a month ago
The space at the void deck of Block 55, New Upper Changi Road, quickly filled with family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues arriving to pay their respects to Melisa Liu. Photo: Robin Choo
SINGAPORE — It was only less than a month ago that her father died. Now, the family of Melisa Liu is reeling from the second blow dealt by her death.
The body of Ms Liu, who was among the 20 killed by the bomb blast at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine on Monday, was flown back on Thursday, and her wake began yesterday evening.
The space at the void deck of Block 55, New Upper Changi Road barely had enough room for 10 tables, and it quickly filled with family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues arriving to pay their respects.
Mr Benedict Lew, who is Ms Liu’s uncle, shared with the media that the family had been going through a difficult period as a result of her father’s death. “I lost her father and now her ... For anyone who has lost a daughter at a young age, it’s not easy,” said Mr Lew. He added that as a child, Ms Liu had been “reserved and obedient”.
Ms Liu’s mother, who would only give her name as Madam Woo, initially declined to speak to the media, and busied herself with the wake, and speaking to other visitors.
But later, she shared: “(Melisa) delivered what she promised … I remember how when she was in the States at the University of Chicago, she said, ‘Mum, I’ve done you proud.’ And she did.”
She added, her voice breaking slightly: “I just cannot accept that she’s (gone like that).”
Ms Liu’s husband, Mr Ng Su Teck, who was among the seven Singaporeans hurt in the blast, remains warded at a hospital here.
Among the earliest groups to arrive at the wake was from AXA Assistance, where Ms Liu had worked. TODAY understands that Mr Xavier Blanchard, regional chief executive of AXA Assistance, had flown in from Hong Kong just to attend the wake.
A group from the nearby Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour also turned up to show support, and sang some hymns.
A representative from the Royal Thai Embassy arrived alone to pay her respects. Visibly emotional, she said: “It’s so unfortunate that such a thing happened in Thailand. I’m so sorry that this had to happen … I feel really sad myself.”
At about 9pm, Member of Parliament for East Coast GRC Maliki Osman, who is also Minister of State (National Development and Defence), arrived to offer his condolences. He spent a long time talking to Mdm Woo, and declined to speak to the media when he left.
Ms Liu’s funeral will be held on Tuesday. Said Mr Lew: “Our family would like to thank all of you. No one expected this outpouring of support, condolences, kind words and sympathy. We would like to thank all Singaporeans.”
