Heart and Soul: Malaysian family faced double kidnappings during Japanese Occupation

Flanking the portrait of Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh are Ignatius Chew and Carol Lee (Mrs Universe 2013) with members of the YLCO clan at the YLCO Museum in Ipoh. Photos: Ignatius Chew

“Give me all your money! Give me everything! Hurry Up! Otherwise, your son will die!” demanded the angry Japanese captain. He drew out his samurai sword to threaten the family. The intimidating sight of the sword as well as the hostile look of the Japanese officer terrified the family.

During a recent visit to the YLCO (Yeoh Lim Chew and Oh) Clan Museum in Ipoh, its director Ignatius Chew related to me the kidnapping of his uncle by the Japanese during WWII.