M’sian rapper Namewee dedicates video to late uncle who allegedly died alone in S'pore HDB flat

Malaysian hip-hop artist and composer Wee Meng Chee, better known by his stage name Namewee, paid tribute to his late uncle in a video posted on Aug. 5.

According to Namewee, his late uncle died alone in his HDB flat in Singapore a few months ago.

Namewee also dedicated the video to "every friend who works hard in Singapore", hoping that people would remember that Singapore’s achievements today belong not only to the “great men”, but also to every “nameless hero” who has contributed quietly to the country.

Turned 66 this year

According to the video, Namewee's second maternal uncle, the late Ong Kwang Boon, turned 66 this year.

Ong never married and had no children.

Namewee shared his uncle's motivation for moving to Singapore after graduating from high school in 1979, saying:

"He knew his family needed money. So he chose to leave home alone, as if signing his life away, and gave his life to a machinery factory in Singapore. That work went on for more than 40 years, with money sent home every month to support his parents and help his siblings."

Namewee added: "Over those 40-plus years, he witnessed Singapore's rise and took part in its glory."

Namewee also recalled how his uncle would return to Malaysia during Chinese New Year and other special occasions.

According to Namewee, the pair had a "secret code" of greeting each other by bumping their foreheads, as if to say, "Uncle is back."

Namewee also shared that he always looked forward to bumping foreheads with his uncle, despite seeing him only a few times a year.

Although he eventually retired, he still chose to remain in Singapore.

"He has devoted his entire life to Singapore,"said Namewee.

Boon reportedly died alone in his HDB flat in Singapore, with his body remaining undiscovered for more than a week.

This was until a neighbour noticed a foul smell and alerted the police.

"Quietly, as if he had never been gone," Namewee described his uncle's death.

Emigration

In the video, Namewee shed light on the experiences of not only his uncle, but also many Malaysians who uprooted their lives in search of opportunities in Singapore.

Namewee said:

"Like countless Malaysians striving for a living in Singapore, he worked quietly and quietly grew old. Like one small screw after another, building this city with their own lives.

Perhaps this is Malaysia's sorrow, but it is also Singapore's pride."

According to The Straits Times, more than 1.18 million Malaysians are estimated to work in Singapore, with around 300,000 and 400,000 making the daily commute across the Causeway.

In the video caption, Namewee wished Singapore a happy National Day and hoped the nation would continue to prosper.

He also hoped that people would remember the contributions of everyone who played a part in Singapore's rise:

"On behalf of my uncle, and every Malaysian who has worked and struggled in Singapore, I want to say Singapore's greatness today belongs not only to great men, but also to every nameless hero who left their youth here.

Uncle, your name, Ong Kwang Boon, will not be forgotten. I hope Singapore, too, will remember your contribution.

Happy 61st National Day, Singapore!"