Rich widow's medical report submitted to court

A pivotal medical report on the mental fitness of Madam Chung Khin Chun, a wealthy widow who gave control of her assets to a former China tour guide, has been submitted to court.

This was revealed yesterday after a pre-trial conference for tomorrow's hearing, during which the Family Court will decide whether the 87-year-old widow should be allowed to revoke the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) that she gave to Yang Yin in 2012.

The saga has captured the public's attention ever since the widow's niece, Madam Hedy Mok, in September accused Yang of taking advantage of her aunt.

A year after meeting her in 2008 while acting as her guide during a trip to China, Yang moved into her $30 million Gerald Crescent bungalow.

Not only did Madam Chung give him the legal powers to handle her assets when she lost the mental capacity to do so, but she also changed her will to appoint him the sole executor of her estate on her death.

Late last month, Yang, 40, was arrested for faking receipts at his company Young Music and Dance Studio, through which he received an employment pass, and then permanent residency. He faces 331 charges.

Madam Mok is also suing him for damages, along with contesting the LPA.

Separately, Madam Chung's lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam also made a public announcement on Sept 23 that she wanted to revoke the LPA.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) then got permission from the court for an independent medical assessment of Madam Chung, who had been diagnosed with dementia this year.

Speaking to The Straits Times after yesterday's pre-trial conference, Madam Mok's lawyer Andrew Lee and Mr Yang's lawyer Daniel Zhu said that the medical report had been submitted to the court on Monday. "All parties have received the medical report and will be reviewing it," added Mr Zhu.

An OPG spokesman had earlier explained that getting the independent medical assessment was necessary to protect the interests and assets of Madam Chung.

"The OPG will decide on the cancellation of the LPA after the court has made a determination on Madam Chung's mental capacity," said the spokesman.

kcarolyn@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Nov 13, 2014.
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