Uncle Mike with his three boys, Rafie, Rasyid and Rahman, at the special screening of the film inspired by their lives. Photos: Handout
The story of Michael Tong Wai Siong – better known as Uncle Mike – who raised three orphaned Malay brothers into adulthood went viral in 2024.
Starting Aug 28, that heartwarming tale comes to life on the big screen in Abah Saya Uncle Mike.
The film focuses on the period when 39-year-old Tong first meets 13-year-old Rafie Ahmad Fauzi – a withdrawn boy living in an orphanage where Tong volunteers – and takes the boy on a life-changing journey.
“I believe it was God’s will that I met Rafie ... I felt I had to take care of this boy, or something bad might happen if I didn’t,” recalls Tong, now 56, to StarLifestyle, of the events 17 years ago.
The film includes Tong learning about Rafie’s two younger brothers – Rasyid and Rahman living at a different orphanage – and taking them in as well.
“I was told their father passed away first, and six months later, their mother – a housewife who survived by selling kerepek – also passed away.
“It couldn’t have been easy for her to raise three boys. That’s why whenever I see ladies selling kerepek, I just buy,” adds Tong.
The cast and crew of 'Abah Saya Uncle Mike' with Uncle Mike and his family after the gala screening in Kuala Lumpur.
Although a Buddhist, Tong – who runs his own event management company – ensured the boys never forgot their obligations as Muslims, enlisting the help of an ustaz, teachers and Muslim friends.
His openness, he says, comes from childhood curiosity.
“When I was in primary school, I would join agama classes and listen to the ustaz. That’s why I am quite familiar with Islam.
“I’d also go to church on weekends because they organised fun activities for everyone,” says Tong with a smile.
That sense of community was what he relied on when the boys moved into his apartment, where neighbours and building guards helped keep an eye on the little ones whenever he had to go outstation.
“Everything just fell into place ... paths kept opening up (allowing me to take care of them easily),” he says of his journey as a working single parent.
Least of all, he didn’t expect anything in return for doing the right thing.
Since his story went viral, the selfless Tong has not only earned Malaysians’ admiration and respect, but also received the Maulidur Rasul Award from the King.
And more recently, joy of a different kind.
“Rafie gave me two grandchildren. They call me Atuk,” he says with pride.
“When I come home after work and they run to me, it’s like my batteries get recharged.
“I never thought that caring for those three boys would bring me rewards. Yet they keep coming.”
He advises: “Never be afraid to do good for others. When you bring joy to the people around you, that happiness will always find its way back to you.”
The family celebrates both Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. Here Uncle Mike poses with his three sons and grandson. Photos: — Handout
As it’s an amazing story, it is only natural that producers want to turn it into a film, especially since it celebrates Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and unity.
But when Astro Shaw first approached him with the idea, Tong admits he thought the phone call was a scam.
Once he realised it was genuine and that the film studio had envisioned the project as “a powerful reflection of unity, love, and what it truly means to be family”, he agreed.
To piece together their shared history, the writers spoke separately with Tong, Rafie, Rasyid and Rahman.
“I just told them what I remembered,” says Tong of his conversations with the scriptwriters, consisting of Muzzamer Rahman, Nik Naemah, Ezrie Gazali (who also doubles as director), Kyle Goonting, Yoke Yeng, Catalina Mae Hubbard and Samuel Sin.
“I’d rather not remember the not-so-good stuff, but as we talked, the memories came back – including how my girlfriend at the time wasn’t happy about me taking on the responsibility of raising the boys.”
They even uncovered details Tong didn’t know about the boys.
“When I watched the trailer and saw a scene where Rafie was abused at the orphanage, I was shocked. He had never told me.
“When I asked if it really happened, he said yes – he just didn’t want to talk about it,” Tong says.
While he is looking forward to watching the movie – “although I know the whole story” – Tong admits he’s not sure how he’ll react to some of the scenes.
“I hope I can compose myself by the time the lights come on,” says the businessman with the gift of the gab.
One thing Uncle Mike is thoroughly pleased about is the casting of Andy Teh to play him in the movie. Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Abah Saya Uncle Mike is showing at cinemas nationwide.
