ST : Son and parents settle dispute over house

17 Feb 2011,
Son and parents settle dispute over house

THE son said he was not angry that his parents had sued him over the ownership of a terrace house in Langsat Road in Joo Chiat.

But speaking to reporters after both sides had reached an out-of-court settlement yesterday, the parents - Mr Ang Kim Sai and Madam Ang Gim Yen, both 86 - said they were disappointed with their younger son Ang Kok Beng, 57.

The terms of the settlement are confidential.

The parents had bought the double- storey corner house in 1974 for about $100,000. Their older son and daughter were initially registered as the owners because Housing Board regulations prohibited the couple, who already had a flat, from owning the property.

In 1983, the ownership of the house was transferred to their younger son, who is a sub-contractor.

In their suit, the couple contended that they are the owners and that he was holding the house - valued at $2.5 million in 2009 - in trust for them. But the younger Mr Ang said it was a gift.

The hearing started on Monday but ended on Tuesday after Madam Ang, diagnosed with dementia in 2009, took the stand and seemed to have trouble recalling details.

Yesterday, both sides reached a settlement. Speaking to reporters, the younger Mr Ang said he felt 'not bad' about the settlement. He last saw his parents more than a year ago and hoped to see them soon.

'If we continue to fight, both sides lose,' he said.

Madam Ang told reporters their son was 'unfilial' while the father said he had 'no face' in having brought up such a son.

SELINA LUM