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Battle for justice - A story of three generations

  • Boonsom Boonyanit was born in a poor family and lost both her parents when she was six. As a child, she had to help out with housework and unfortunately, she dropped out of school because of poverty. This 1942 photo shows Boonsom posing with her own family. She was 16 when she got married to a Chinese migrant, Veheai Sosothikul in 1931. The couple had nine children.
    1/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Boonsom Boonyanit was born in a poor family and lost both her parents when she was six. As a child, she had to help out with housework and unfortunately, she dropped out of school because of poverty. This 1942 photo shows Boonsom posing with her own family. She was 16 when she got married to a Chinese migrant, Veheai Sosothikul in 1931. The couple had nine children.
    Yahoo!
  • Boonsom was a frugal person, even more so during World War 2. She always allowed her children to have their meals first, and ate once everyone else had their fill. Like most families during that period, the Sosothikul family faced a hard life, with Veheai working from 16 to 18 hours in a factory to support his large family.
    2/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Boonsom was a frugal person, even more so during World War 2. She always allowed her children to have their meals first, and ate once everyone else had their fill. Like most families during that period, the Sosothikul family faced a hard life, with Veheai working from 16 to 18 hours in a factory to support his large family.
    Yahoo!
  • Veheai started a shoe factory in 1953, but as a result of his long hours at work, he suffered from a heart condition in 1964. To help him recuperate, Boonsom took him to Penang, where they had relatives. This 1966 photo is the last of the couple, taken in Penang.
    3/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Veheai started a shoe factory in 1953, but as a result of his long hours at work, he suffered from a heart condition in 1964. To help him recuperate, Boonsom took him to Penang, where they had relatives. This 1966 photo is the last of the couple, taken in Penang.
    Yahoo!
  • The couple fell in love with Penang, its community and way of life, and decided to retire in the 'paradise' island. They bought a piece of land in Tanjung Bungah, and the land title was issued in Boonsom's name.
    4/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    The couple fell in love with Penang, its community and way of life, and decided to retire in the 'paradise' island. They bought a piece of land in Tanjung Bungah, and the land title was issued in Boonsom's name.
    Yahoo!
  • But, they had their dream stolen from them. In 1989, an imposter manage to obtain a copy the land title by pretending to be Boonsom with forged documents. The land was sold off to (now bankrupt) Adorna Properties for RM1.8 million, and subsequently sold off to another party to construct high-rise condominiums.
    5/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    But, they had their dream stolen from them. In 1989, an imposter manage to obtain a copy the land title by pretending to be Boonsom with forged documents. The land was sold off to (now bankrupt) Adorna Properties for RM1.8 million, and subsequently sold off to another party to construct high-rise condominiums.
    Yahoo!
  • This is a photo of Boonsom's family during her 72nd birthday in 1987, two years before the land was taken from her. Boonsom has 26 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, and had made plans to build a house in Tanjung Bungah to enjoy with the family if if she still had possession of the land.
    6/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    This is a photo of Boonsom's family during her 72nd birthday in 1987, two years before the land was taken from her. Boonsom has 26 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, and had made plans to build a house in Tanjung Bungah to enjoy with the family if if she still had possession of the land.
    Yahoo!
  • Boonsom took the matter to court in 1995, but lost. They won the appeal as the court had ruled in their favour however in 2000, the Federal Court ruled against her once again. Pictured here with her extended family on her birthday celebration, Boonsom and her loved ones persisted with their battle.
    7/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Boonsom took the matter to court in 1995, but lost. They won the appeal as the court had ruled in their favour however in 2000, the Federal Court ruled against her once again. Pictured here with her extended family on her birthday celebration, Boonsom and her loved ones persisted with their battle.
    Yahoo!
  • Boonsom's sons Phiensak (far left) and Kobchai fought alongside with her. This photo was taken in 1993 during one of her grandson's graduation in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston. She (in wheelchair) passed away seven months before the ruling in 2000.
    8/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Boonsom's sons Phiensak (far left) and Kobchai fought alongside with her. This photo was taken in 1993 during one of her grandson's graduation in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston. She (in wheelchair) passed away seven months before the ruling in 2000.
    Yahoo!
  • Kobchai (L) and grandson Prithep continued the battle. Kobchai is now in his late 70s and has passed the torch to Prithep and Phiensak's son Piya, both had vowed to continue the quest for justice.
    9/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Kobchai (L) and grandson Prithep continued the battle. Kobchai is now in his late 70s and has passed the torch to Prithep and Phiensak's son Piya, both had vowed to continue the quest for justice.
    Yahoo!
  • Phiensak Sosothikul himself is 80 and suffered a stroke. He is unable to talk or walk, but upon hearing of Piya and Prithep's efforts, he managed a huge smile and whispered, “Good”. He is seen here with the Piya's own son, four-year-old Tully. Piya admitted that his own son might have to take on the battle, should there be no closure for the Sosothikul family soon.
    10/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Phiensak Sosothikul himself is 80 and suffered a stroke. He is unable to talk or walk, but upon hearing of Piya and Prithep's efforts, he managed a huge smile and whispered, “Good”. He is seen here with the Piya's own son, four-year-old Tully. Piya admitted that his own son might have to take on the battle, should there be no closure for the Sosothikul family soon.
    Yahoo!
  • The Sosothikul family seen here in this photograph offering blessings at Boonsom's and Veheai's graves.
    11/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    The Sosothikul family seen here in this photograph offering blessings at Boonsom's and Veheai's graves.
    Yahoo!
  • Piya (L) and Prithep seen here at Boonsom's tombstone. Fifty-three-year-old Prithep told Yahoo! Malaysia that having Piya's involvement has helped re-energised the family's commitment towards this struggle.
    12/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Piya (L) and Prithep seen here at Boonsom's tombstone. Fifty-three-year-old Prithep told Yahoo! Malaysia that having Piya's involvement has helped re-energised the family's commitment towards this struggle.
    Yahoo!
  • In a surprise ruling in 2010, the then Chief Justice Zaki Azmi overturned the case' previous decision, during the proceedings of another similar land fraud case. This led to a landmark change in the National Code which enabled more protection of the constitutional right of owners for cases after 2010.
    13/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    In a surprise ruling in 2010, the then Chief Justice Zaki Azmi overturned the case' previous decision, during the proceedings of another similar land fraud case. This led to a landmark change in the National Code which enabled more protection of the constitutional right of owners for cases after 2010.
    Yahoo!
  • The cousins shared their story in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, and insisted that the quest was not about seeking compensation for the family. “We plead with the authorities, we are asking them to do what is right. Why make my family or other victims suffer more?” Piya told reporters. The family is hoping that the state government or Federal authorities will offer them a response by April 7, which marks the 24th anniversary of when the land was transferred from Boonsom.
    14/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    The cousins shared their story in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, and insisted that the quest was not about seeking compensation for the family. “We plead with the authorities, we are asking them to do what is right. Why make my family or other victims suffer more?” Piya told reporters. The family is hoping that the state government or Federal authorities will offer them a response by April 7, which marks the 24th anniversary of when the land was transferred from Boonsom.
    Yahoo!
  • The family's Facebook page, titled “Seeking Justice for Our Grandma Boonsom – A 23 year battle against Adorna,” has over 6,000 likes. Piya says he appreciates the advice received from the Malaysian Bar Council, the House Buyers Association and other 'strangers', ranging from professionals to lawyers and even students who have been supporting the Sosothikul family.
    15/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    The family's Facebook page, titled “Seeking Justice for Our Grandma Boonsom – A 23 year battle against Adorna,” has over 6,000 likes. Piya says he appreciates the advice received from the Malaysian Bar Council, the House Buyers Association and other 'strangers', ranging from professionals to lawyers and even students who have been supporting the Sosothikul family.
    Yahoo!
  • Piya and Prithep insist that they do not want their case to be used as a political tool for any parties, despite being highlighted at a crucial time when Malaysia is set to go to polls. “We will denounce anyone who wants to benefit from (the case) politically,” Piya maintained. The family wants to work with the authorities, urging them to do the right thing, for the people.
    16/16

    A 23-year-battle to uncover the truth over land in Penang.

    Piya and Prithep insist that they do not want their case to be used as a political tool for any parties, despite being highlighted at a crucial time when Malaysia is set to go to polls. “We will denounce anyone who wants to benefit from (the case) politically,” Piya maintained. The family wants to work with the authorities, urging them to do the right thing, for the people.
    Yahoo!
Boonsom Boonyanit was born in a poor family and lost both her parents when she was six. As a child, she had to help out with housework and unfortunately, she dropped out of school because of poverty. This 1942 photo shows Boonsom posing with her own family. She was 16 when she got married to a Chinese migrant, Veheai Sosothikul in 1931. The couple had nine children.
Boonsom was a frugal person, even more so during World War 2. She always allowed her children to have their meals first, and ate once everyone else had their fill. Like most families during that period, the Sosothikul family faced a hard life, with Veheai working from 16 to 18 hours in a factory to support his large family.
Veheai started a shoe factory in 1953, but as a result of his long hours at work, he suffered from a heart condition in 1964. To help him recuperate, Boonsom took him to Penang, where they had relatives. This 1966 photo is the last of the couple, taken in Penang.
The couple fell in love with Penang, its community and way of life, and decided to retire in the 'paradise' island. They bought a piece of land in Tanjung Bungah, and the land title was issued in Boonsom's name.
But, they had their dream stolen from them. In 1989, an imposter manage to obtain a copy the land title by pretending to be Boonsom with forged documents. The land was sold off to (now bankrupt) Adorna Properties for RM1.8 million, and subsequently sold off to another party to construct high-rise condominiums.
This is a photo of Boonsom's family during her 72nd birthday in 1987, two years before the land was taken from her. Boonsom has 26 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, and had made plans to build a house in Tanjung Bungah to enjoy with the family if if she still had possession of the land.
Boonsom took the matter to court in 1995, but lost. They won the appeal as the court had ruled in their favour however in 2000, the Federal Court ruled against her once again. Pictured here with her extended family on her birthday celebration, Boonsom and her loved ones persisted with their battle.
Boonsom's sons Phiensak (far left) and Kobchai fought alongside with her. This photo was taken in 1993 during one of her grandson's graduation in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston. She (in wheelchair) passed away seven months before the ruling in 2000.
Kobchai (L) and grandson Prithep continued the battle. Kobchai is now in his late 70s and has passed the torch to Prithep and Phiensak's son Piya, both had vowed to continue the quest for justice.
Phiensak Sosothikul himself is 80 and suffered a stroke. He is unable to talk or walk, but upon hearing of Piya and Prithep's efforts, he managed a huge smile and whispered, “Good”. He is seen here with the Piya's own son, four-year-old Tully. Piya admitted that his own son might have to take on the battle, should there be no closure for the Sosothikul family soon.
The Sosothikul family seen here in this photograph offering blessings at Boonsom's and Veheai's graves.
Piya (L) and Prithep seen here at Boonsom's tombstone. Fifty-three-year-old Prithep told Yahoo! Malaysia that having Piya's involvement has helped re-energised the family's commitment towards this struggle.
In a surprise ruling in 2010, the then Chief Justice Zaki Azmi overturned the case' previous decision, during the proceedings of another similar land fraud case. This led to a landmark change in the National Code which enabled more protection of the constitutional right of owners for cases after 2010.
The cousins shared their story in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, and insisted that the quest was not about seeking compensation for the family. “We plead with the authorities, we are asking them to do what is right. Why make my family or other victims suffer more?” Piya told reporters. The family is hoping that the state government or Federal authorities will offer them a response by April 7, which marks the 24th anniversary of when the land was transferred from Boonsom.
The family's Facebook page, titled “Seeking Justice for Our Grandma Boonsom – A 23 year battle against Adorna,” has over 6,000 likes. Piya says he appreciates the advice received from the Malaysian Bar Council, the House Buyers Association and other 'strangers', ranging from professionals to lawyers and even students who have been supporting the Sosothikul family.
Piya and Prithep insist that they do not want their case to be used as a political tool for any parties, despite being highlighted at a crucial time when Malaysia is set to go to polls. “We will denounce anyone who wants to benefit from (the case) politically,” Piya maintained. The family wants to work with the authorities, urging them to do the right thing, for the people.

The family of the late Boonsom Boonyanit continues her struggle for justice, as her grandchildren Piya and Prithep Sosothikul take this high profile, but emotional case to find closure for the family.  They are appealing to the Malaysian Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Penang, to pay attention to their case, and are hoping that the authorities' decisions will be a turning point for other victims of land fraud in the rest of the country.  Yahoo! Malaysia's Susan Tam takes a look at the humble beginnings of Boonsom and her family.