SJM executive-cum-lawmaker Angela Leong On Kei clarified the situation of one of her five children in a Chinese-language statement published in Macau yesterday.
In the statement, which was issued on Saturday and published in the Chinese-language Macao Daily News yesterday, Leong said that due to “physical reasons” her family had never released any information about one of her three sons, Ho Yau Bong. She said that in the wake of Stanley Ho Hung Sun’s passing last month, she had decided to “solemnly” introduce Yau Bong to the public. She pointed out that Yau-bong’s name will be engraved on his father’s tombstone in line with traditional customs.
Leong said she understood that her children’s father was a public figure and that “everything” about him was of concern to the outside world. Leong said she hoped that her and her late husband’s choice concerning Yau bong’s life will be sufficiently respected and his privacy will be protected.
Leong said that as a mother she was worried that false rumours could have a negative emotional impact on Yau Bong. She admitted that it was “difficult to be an ordinary person in such a family”, but as a mother she still hoped that under his family’s protection Yau Bong could feel the outside world’s safety and kindness.
She also said that Yau Bong “is not a secret” among the Ho family and relatives.
Leong also said that since his childhood Yau Bong, like her other children, has been deeply cared for by his family. “Our family has always been travelling together and holding birthday parties to make his life happier,” she said in the statement, adding, “My husband also loved him very much, trying to make all the proper arrangements for him.”
Leong also said that Yau Bong’s life was “destined to be protected from any disturbance,” adding that real life requires “goodwill, understanding and mutual love”.
Leong concluded the statement by saying that “this is the first and last time that we have explained this matter to the public. I hope you understand. Thanks.”
A statement issued by the Ho family after Stanley Ho’s passing in Hong Kong on May 26 did not include Yau Bong so that it only mentioned 16 of his 17 children. A statement last week about next month’s memorial and funeral arrangements mentioned all his 17 children, including Yau Bong.
Leong has two daughters and three sons.
