Together, For Vui Kong
It drizzled all afternoon. The ground was wet and squishy. We thought no one would show up. But we were wrong. Photo by Nicholas Leong As I type this, Yun Leong is visiting Vui Kong in prison. I’m sure they’re talking about our little gathering yesterday, about all you good people who bothered to stand...
The Boy’s Mother
We visit on our third day in Sandakan. She looks surprised to see so many of us. But we’re even more taken aback by the state of her little two-bedroom flat. Vui Fung had told us earlier that she lives alone. We’d half-expected her home to be gloomy and untidy. But the place is immaculately...
The Good Fight
My heart leapt when I saw this status update on Vui Fung’s Facebook page a couple of weeks ago:“I try my best to face all of this… I never wanna try to hide it again…” It was a huge step for her – this shy, awkward girl who hates being in the limelight, hates talking...
A Letter To Yong Vui Kong
Dear Vui Kong, Thanks so much for your letter. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to reply. Your brother Yun Leong tells me you are amazingly strong. That you’re prepared to accept whatever happens next. That you want to live, want so much to live, but are ready to face death. I saw what...
Just A Child
I have a new Facebook friend. Her name is Yong Vui Fung and she is Vui Kong’s little sister. She’s just 20 this year. Slightly older than Vui Kong when he was caught. And every time I look at her, I think about what her brother must have been like when he first ventured out...
“For Me, I’m Hoping For A Miracle”
Yun Leong looks like he’s shrunk. He’s lost maybe five pounds since December. There are bags under his eyes. He sounds tired. “It’s been tough,” he says. “Chinese New Year was not good.” “How’s your family?” “They’re coping.” “And your mother?” “She’s well.” He pauses. “She still asks about him.” Him. Vui Kong. Her youngest....
Vui Kong’s Story – The Hearing
UPDATE on Dec 11, 2009: Vui Kong’s appeal hearing has been set for March 15, 2010. He looks a little less tired than when we first saw him. Still pale. Still as skinny. Still dressed in his standard-issue orange prison garb and grey jacket. He seems more relaxed today. Even manages a semi-wave at a...
The Story Of Yong Vui Kong
We’re back from Rwanda with plenty of photos and stories to share. But all that will just have to wait. Because right now, there’s something far more urgent we have to tell you about. It’s about the imminent death of a boy called Yong Vui Kong. You might have already heard his name. Read his...
