KUCHING: The Kuching High Court will hear the case pertaining to the custody of Joshua Wong, 9, at 9am today. Joshua is the son of the former manager of Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), Wong Jing Kui, who was murdered in Sibu.
On June 14, 2012, Wong’s body was found in the master bedroom of his house at Ulu Sungai Merah, Sibu with over 20 stab wounds inflicted by a hired killer, Ling Hoe Ing.
Wong’s wife, Ling Hang Tsyr and her lover, Tiong King Guan were found guilty of abetting in Wong’s murder and were incarcerated in August 11, 2012. However, they were released on February 26, 2014. Charges were reinstated in February, 2015 after an appeal was filed by the prosecution.
Tiong was absent in court and is still missing. Meanwhile, Ling Hang Tsyr was sentenced to death by hanging and hired killer, Ling Hoe Ing was sentenced to 16 years in jail after pleading guilty on October 1, 2013. The custody battle is between Wong’s parents, Wong Tiew Ming and Law Boh Ing and the parents of the accused, Ling Hang Tsyr, Ling Kuo Soong and Moh Ung Hua.
Joshua has been under the custody of his mother since 2012. However, the entire family moved to Kuching without the consent of Wong’s family.
They also allegedly prevented access and cut off all ties with Wong’s family after the trial. According to Wong’s family’s lawyer, Christina Teng, with the best interest of the child in mind, Joshua should be returned to the Wongs.
“The killer should not be in control of the child, especially in light of the conviction,” Teng told reporters after Ling’s appeal case was adjourned to October 18 at Kuching High Court yesterday. At the time of the killing, Joshua was only three at the time and is believed to be a key witness to his father’s death. However, his statement was never presented.
“There is no court order that stated that Wong’s family cannot be the child’s guardian. There is also a pending case in which both the accused and the child are beneficiaries of the deceased’s estate, monies and assets.
“With the deceased’s intestate death, the accused now has control over her son’s estate shares. It is a very painful process for Wong’s family but we will continue this battle. One must not profit from crime,” said Teng.
“Tiong is still at large,” said Wong’s eldest sister, Wong Hie Huang, appealing to the public to help track Ling’s lover, Tiong down. She added that the family was offering a reward of RM50,000 for information that would secure his arrest. Those with details of Tiong may contact Wong Hie Huong at 016-8843275 or the Kuching Police immediately at 082-241167.
