$1m maid also got help to build house

The Indonesian maid who inherited $1 million from her late employer had seen how generous the woman could be: She had been given money to build a house in her hometown before.

Two weeks ago, the domestic worker, known only as Sulastri, returned to Singapore, not only to collect her inheritance, but also to pray for Madam Khoo Guat Neo.

The Surabaya native, who was well-known in the Yew Lian Park estate for her cheery disposition, was said to have been heartbroken when her employer of 13 years died.

Mr R. S. Sanga, 64, president of the Yew Lian Park Residents' Association said: "She had a smile for everyone, but when Madam Khoo died she just didn't want to talk much."

Ms Sulastri, who is thought to be in her 30s, would shop for retired principal Madam Khoo, and take her for medical check-ups and haircuts. The two lived in a two-storey landed property off Upper Thomson Road, along with Madam Khoo's cats.

Madam Khoo, who was single when she died aged 92 last year, bequeathed around a third of her estate to Ms Sulastri.

She also willed around $760,000 to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, $200,000 to her hairdresser, $100,000 and her 10 cats to the Cat Welfare Society, and the rest to her doctor and nephew.

In 1996, she had sued her sister-in-law over the ownership of a Cairnhill Road apartment, which she had bought together with her late brother in 1972. They agreed out of court to sell the flat and split the proceeds 50-50.

When The Straits Times visited Madam Khoo's house on Jalan Pelatina on Monday, it looked abandoned and was missing a front door.

The Straits Times understands that after Ms Sulastri's work permit was terminated in September last year, she returned to Indonesia. Attempts to reach Ms Sulastri were unsuccessful.

yeosamjo@sph.com.sg

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