Residents grieve death of man, 59, in Lengkok Bahru

About 100 members of the public attended the interfaith community prayer and remembrance gathering for the 59-year-old man who died on Jul. 20 after he allegedly got into a fight with his neighbour.

The man's close friends, as well as other residents attended the event held on Jul. 22 night at the multi-purpose hall at Block 55A Lengkok Bahru.

'Very sad': Victim's close friend

One of the victim's close friends, 60-year-old Mohamed Yasin, has lived in the area for about 30 years and met the victim two years ago.

Speaking to Mothership, he said he was "very sad" as the victim was a "very close friend" of his and they hung out very often.

A 51-year-old resident, who wished to be known as Teo, said she had been living in the neighbourhood for almost 20 years, and volunteers with the Residents' Network (RN) for over 15 years.

Noting that she often saw the victim around the coffee shop, she said she had just delivered food to him three weeks ago.

She told Mothership that she felt "very, very sad", adding that it was "quite shocking" and "unfortunate" that the resident passed away under such circumstances.

A 77-year-old member of the public, who wished to remain anonymous, said what happened was "such a pity".

"I'm a person, he's a person too," said the man, adding that he always saw the victim in the area and described him as a "very quiet person" who "didn't cause trouble".

'Wonderful, quiet guy'

Calling the victim a "wonderful, quiet guy", Raymond Khoo, founder of charity "The Saturday Movement", said he was shocked by the news.

The 62-year-old had known the victim for many years, and said he would join in for Saturday meals with his son, and ask that his meals be given to someone else if he felt it was not suitable.

According to its website, the registered charity befriends and cares for over 500 needy elderly in Singapore.

It also provides 4,000 meals, as well as bread, and food every month and hosts a weekly in-person free lunch every Saturday for its beneficiaries.

"I just saw him and his son on Saturday," Khoo said, adding that they have also been supporting neighbours and giving them a space to meet and talk when they were unable to sleep.

United by care for grieving family

Member of Parliament for Queenstown SMC Eric Chua said at the gathering that though everyone "may come from different faiths and different backgrounds", they are united by "something very simple and something very human, and that is our care for a grieving family and our hope that they may find comfort, strength, and healing".

The "tragic incident has left a family grieving the sudden loss of a loved one," Chua said, adding that "it has also deeply affected residents in our Lengkok Bahru community".

Expressing his deepest condolences to the family, Chua said "[his] thoughts are also with those who witnessed what happened, or who have been left feeling saddened, shaken, or unsettled".

"Tonight, we are here... to remember the deceased, to pray for the family, and to stand together as a community," he added.

The gathering saw religious leaders from five different faiths — Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam, taking turns to pray.

Those who attended the gathering also observed a minute of silence for the victim.

Support for family

Speaking to Mothership and Shin Min Daily News after the gathering, Chua said he had spoken to the victim's family.

Noting that his son is "quite emotionally distraught", he said arrangements have been made to support him financially and emotionally.

Addressing residents during the gathering, Chua said: "Now we know that grief does not end after the funeral."

"In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to stay close, walk alongside the family, and make sure that they do not have to face the difficulties and challenging days alone."

In terms of the fundraiser, Chua said "we are trying to pin down a specific platform" to do that and will "share more details" once they are able to do so.

Support for residents

Chua also acknowledged that it is natural to feel worried or anxious when something distressing "happens so close to home".

He has asked the police to step up their patrols around the area, which they have done so.

Residents may also speak to grassroots volunteers if they are feeling unsettled or need someone to listen.

"You do not have to carry all these feelings alone," he said.

Chua added that the community is not just about celebrating together in good times, but also about standing close in difficult times.

"Let us care for our neighbours, support one another, and stand together as one Lengkok Bahru, one Queenstown."

Murder

On Jul. 20, a 59-year-old man died after allegedly fighting with his neighbour at Block 55 Lengkok Bahru.

The police had arrived to find the victim lying motionless at the 16th floor lift lobby.

He was allegedly stabbed in the abdomen, and died after he was taken to the hospital.

Ng Swee Seng, 59, the neighbour charged with allegedly murdering the victim, reportedly had a long-standing dispute with him.