Apr 6, 2010
Acid victim back in school
EORGE TOWN - IT WAS like the first day of school all over again for Tan Hui Linn, the victim of an acid attack.
The 18-year-old arrived at SMK Convent Datuk Keramat at 7am on Monday, after almost six months of being away because of the attack.
On Oct 24, her father had allegedly splashed acid on her and her mother, Chong Swee Lin, 50, at their Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim home. Mdm Chong died 10 hours later while Hui Linn sustained 60 per cent burns on her face and upper torso and had to go through several operations to regain her sight. Her father, Tan Teik Swee, 53, has been charged with the murder of Mdm Chong and for causing grievous hurt to Hui Linn.
The plucky teenager, who arrived at the school wearing a face mask and bandages, said she had mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement at being back. 'It feels like the first day of school where I have to get used to a new environment again. I will just do my best. I want to be treated like a normal student. I don't want people to stare at me or treat me differently.'
Asked whether she would continue to be active in co-curricular activities, Hui Linn said she would 'focus on studies'.
She used to be a netball player and was a ranger. She is staying with her uncle in Bandar Baru Air Itam now.
School principal Cheng Lye Sen, who welcomed Hui Linn back, said the teachers and students were 'very happy' to have her back. 'She is a fast learner and has always done well academically. I have confidence in her,' Cheng said.