Man in coma waiting to see long-lost brother for last time
Family of man taken off life support believes he is hoping for last meeting with younger brother
He was taken off life support yesterday morning after suddenly slipping into a coma last Friday.
Mr Poon Teck Weng, 60, is still hanging on to life in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he was moved out of the intensive care unit last night.
His family believes Mr Poon has an unfulfilled wish - to meet his long-lost brother for one last time.
His younger brother, Mr Poon Tek Kiong, 55, broke off all contact with the close-knit family around the time of his second marriage to a Chinese national nine years ago.
His three daughters from a previous marriage, who are in their 20s, are also no longer in contact with him.
The older Mr Poon, the second in a family of four sons and two daughters, had always spoken fondly of his "missing" brother and wondered about his well-being, his sister, Madam Poon Peck Lin, 52, told The New Paper yesterday.
Referring to his sudden collapse from a burst artery in the brain, the housewife said: "He had no major health problems except for high blood pressure, so it was a shock to all of us.
"The doctor suggested that we pull the plug, and we don't know how much more time he has left. It could be hours or a few days.
"We just hope our missing brother will come forward to see him for the last time."
The older Mr Poon, a heavy machine operator who was divorced five years ago, has a son in his 30s.
Since he was warded, his family has tried in vain to track down the younger Mr Poon, who is the fourth child in the family.
Madam Poon said his mobile number is no longer in use, and he sold his flat in Ang Mo Kio about a year ago.
"We asked the neighbours and the current occupant of the flat, but they don't have his contact number."
APPEALS
They have put up an online appeal, which includes an image of the younger Mr Poon in his younger days (above). It has been circulating on social media since Monday.
The family approached Chinese dailies Shin Min Daily News and Lianhe Wanbao for help, and appeared on Chinese radio station UFM 100.3 yesterday in hopes of getting some leads on their brother's whereabouts.
They had also sought help from various government agencies, but were unable to get any information because of privacy laws.
As the younger Mr Poon used to work as a bus driver, the family even approached the various bus companies but had no luck either.
Madam Poon said the siblings often got together for birthdays and occasions such as Chinese New Year.
The younger Mr Poon started attending the gatherings less frequently after his second marriage.
She said: "There was no quarrel. He just stopped contacting us after a while.
"Our greatest worry is that he is no longer in Singapore and won't be able to find out about our brother's current condition.
"My brother (the older Mr Poon) told a friend recently that his greatest wish is to see our younger brother again.
"This is why he can't let go even though he is suffering now."
Anyone with information on Mr Poon Tek Kiong can call Madam Poon at 9683 4137.
The doctor suggested that we pull the plug, and we don't know how much more time he has left. We just hope our missing brother will come forward to see him for the last time.
- Madam Poon Peck Lin on her brother Poon Teck Weng
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