Hong Kong-based Malaysian actress Jacquelin Ch’ng broke down in tears while speaking about her late mother, Datin Kong Yuk Chu, during her first public appearance since her death.
Her mother died in late August at the age of 82.
On Sept 3, the TVB star shared video from her mother’s wake and funeral on social media with a touching tribute.
However, it came under fire from some netizens who accused her of filming the proceedings in advance and posting the footage later to generate attention.
The 46-year-old addressed the criticism on Sept 5 while attending a fashion show, as reported by China Press.
Ch’ng said she was not particularly upset by the comments.
“I’m not particularly bothered because it’s an account where I share and document my own life. Of course, because it’s public, other people will see it and have their own opinions. I can’t stop that.
“I didn’t expect the reaction to be this big. For me, I just wanted to record what the place looked like at the time," she said.
“Many relatives and friends thoughtfully sent flowers, and I believe the decorations at the venue were things my mum would have liked. I just wanted to document it properly,” she explained.
Ch’ng also denied claims that the footage had been filmed earlier and posted later, as well as suggestions that a professional team had been hired to film the proceedings.
“It wasn’t filmed early and posted later, and it wasn’t done by any professional team. I just casually filmed some footage myself on my phone,” she said.
She explained that funeral customs in Malaysia differ from those in Hong Kong, particularly when it comes to the length of the wake.
“The way wakes are held in Malaysia is somewhat different from Hong Kong. Here, the wake can last longer – it is held for two days, with the funeral taking place on the third day. So the timing is different.”
Ch’ng also shared her mother’s wish was for her children to live well and take good care of themselves.
“My mum wanted us to live well and take good care of ourselves. I think the most important thing is that all of us siblings will continue to take care of one another,” the actress added.
Although she tried to keep her emotions in check during the interview, Ch’ng became tearful several times while talking about her mother.
She said she had gradually come to terms with the loss and had returned to work.
“It’s much better now. I’ve calmed down and, no matter what, I have to return to work.
“My emotions may fluctuate quite a lot during this period. Sometimes when I look through my mum’s old photos, many different memories come flooding back,” she said.
Ch’ng revealed that her mother had been ill for some time, so the family had been mentally prepared for her passing.
“For my family, everyone knew it was probably going to happen, so it wasn’t completely unexpected.
“I think the most important thing is that she wasn’t in pain. We were very fortunate and grateful that all the family members were there.
“I haven’t dreamed about my mum since she passed away. I really hope I can dream about her,” she said.
