SIBU: The High Court here was yesterday shown four suicide letters purportedly from murder suspect Jacob Tiang and his wife Ling Yung Ming.
The letters were shown when Yung Ming’s sister Ling Yung Choo was testifying against Tiang.
It is said that the letters expressed love and concern for relatives, telling them what to do when they (Jacob and family) have gone.
The letters were shown during the cross-examination by defence counsel Ben Lau.
The first letter was written to Ling Tong Yii (Yung Ming’s brother). It reads:
“Brother, I called not to borrow money from you. I just want to tell you my worries. A comfort from family members is important. I know you don’t like us, but I still hope I can have concern from you. Hopefully, you treasure the affection of the family members. Don’t be angry with sister Ah Choo. Hope the two of you will patch up.” Signed Yung Ming.
The second letter was written to Leh Ha and Leh Hung (Tiang’s sister). It reads:
“Fifth and sixth sisters. Thank you for your help all this while. What I owed you, I will pay you back if there is a next life. Take care.” Signed Jacob and Yung Ming.
The third letter was written to Tiang’s eldest brother. It reads:
“Please cremate our bodies and sprinkle our ashes in the sea. Jacob has more than RM100,000 in his EPF. A part of it, use it for funeral expenses. RM63,000 pay for Xiao Lan’s car loan. The rest for my younger brother. My insurance also for my younger brother. RM3,000 for sister Ah Ing. RM1,000 for my father.” Signed Jacob and Yung Ming.
The fourth letter was written to sister Ah Hiong (Yung Ming’s sister). It reads:
“Thanks for your concern and help. I am leaving now. Please take care of Xiao Lan and Stanley.” Signed Yung Ming.
Earlier, Yung Choo told the court that she knew about her sister’s death about 11am on July 5 when her daughter contacted her.
Yung Choo said she was in Kuala Lumpur at that time and took the 4pm flight back to Sibu that day.
During the examination in chief by Senior Federal Counsel (SFC) Yaacub Chik, Ling said she went to her sister’s house at Pulau Li Hua a few days after her sister died.
She also told the court that she was not sure whether the handwriting on a yellow note
she found inside Yung Ming’s handbag belonged to Yung Ming.
Tiang is accused of killing his wife Ling Yung Ming, teenage daughter Christine Tiang Soon Ai and toddler son Victor Tiang
Soon Seng and attempting to murder his son Vincent Tiang on July 5 last year
He faces three murder charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code that carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.
He also faces a charge under Section 307 of the same code for trying to kill his son Vincent Tiang.
The attempted murder charge carries a jail term of 10 years, or in this case, 20 years for causing hurt to Vincent while trying to kill him.
Tiang is also charged under Section 309 of the same code for attempted suicide.
The charge may lead to imprisonment for a year, or a fine, or both.
The hearing continues today.