Taiwanese comedian Ma Guo Bi has expressed his gratitude to his family for their unwavering support as he continues to repay more than NT$50mil (RM6.3mil) in debt accumulated over a decade ago.
The 51-year-old incurred the massive amount in 2013 due to his gambling addiction.
Since then, he has worked tirelessly to repay what he owed and now has just over NT$5mil (RM633,912) left to settle.
Speaking about his financial struggles during a recent variety show appearance, Ma said he never considered running away or going overseas to escape his problems.
Instead, he chose to take responsibility for his actions and face the consequences.
“I didn’t run away because of the way my parents raised me. They taught me that when you encounter a problem, you have to face it bravely and deal with it,” he said.
Ma also thanked his parents for standing by him during his darkest moments and helping him through his financial troubles.
His mother, who appeared alongside him on the show, revealed that she even sold her home to help him repay his debts.
“He didn’t dare come home at the time, but I told him, ‘It’s OK to return. The debt will eventually be repaid. We just have to look forward to that day,’” she said.
Touched by his mother’s words, Ma replied: “I’ll work even harder and make that day come sooner.”
