KOTA KINABALU: Former federal minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili has finally decided to end his widowership with a woman, believed to be a Cambodian.
In an invitation e-card that has gone viralled recently addressed to ‘Exco Pemuda dan Wanita Pusat’, the 70-year-old Parti Bersatu Sabah President has taken one Chhunlin Roeung, in her 30s, as his wife and that their reception will be held on two occasions, one on Dec 30 in Tambunan, and the other on Jan 2, 2024 in Kota Marudu.
It is learnt that they met when Chhunlin was a translator years back in Cambodia. She is now a teacher back home.
The viralled invitation had received mixed reactions from netizens, with some commenting that his new wife was too young and worried she would be mistaken as his daughter.
Several people tried guessing her origin, saying she looked like a Korean, or Thai, and some said they heard rumour that Ongkili married his former masseur from Myanmar when he had a second stroke late last year.
Many, however, came to Ongkili’s defense stating that marriage between couples with a big age gap is nothing new.
One noted that it is common for a more senior man to take a young wife, and of late, some older women have been reported to marry men who are 40 or 50 years younger.
Many also expressed gladness that someone is finally taking care of Ongkili, wishing the bride and groom well, adding that it was all God’s will.
Ongkili became a widow following the passing of his first wife, Datin Seri Joan Maluda, five years ago. They have two children.
