GEORGE TOWN – A former Penang assembly member now living in the United States has described gun violence there as an uneasy situation as it is beyond one’s control.
She made these observations after the daughter of Malaysian immigrants was reportedly killed by what is believed to be a stray bullet during a shoot-out.
Former Pulau Tikus rep Yap Soo Huey, who now works in Atlanta, Georgia, said the risk of getting shot in the US is akin to the dangers on the road in Malaysia.
It is believed that Carmen Lee Cai Yi, 25, who was born in the US, died last week when she was caught in a crossfire while driving home in Doraville, a township northeast of Atlanta, the largest city in southern US.
It was reported that those closest to Lee are struggling to understand the tragedy.
In the incident, Lee was driving home when she was shot on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, just south of Tilly Mill Road, according to Doraville police.
She was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat and died of her injuries.
Investigators remain hopeful that witnesses will come forward with information about the shooting.
“Carmen’s death seems so senseless. I’m really sorry for her family and loved ones. I hope there’s a way for them to find out what happened and why she was shot,” Yap, a Penangite, told The Vibes.
“I think in the US, getting shot is something like getting run over by an out-of-control car in Malaysia.
“No one wants to get run over, but we can’t let fear stop us from living our lives. How can we know when a speeding or out-of-control car may come out of nowhere and hit us?
“Similarly, it’s a little unpredictable when and where a shooting might happen in the US.”
Yap said that Atlanta is about three times the size of Selangor.
“Even though 30 shootings (in the US) are a lot, many may be concentrated in certain areas,” she said. “A person can feel very safe, or may feel unsafe, depending on where they live.”
“I’ve been living in the US for almost three years now. Access to quality food, recreational trails and parks, job opportunities and other benefits of living in the US far outweigh the risk of being shot.
“I don’t feel unsafe, and I feel very well-accepted and included among my friends and colleagues,” said Yap.
‘An amazing role model’
Carmen was laid to rest over the weekend, but her tragic death caused widespread outpouring of support, with the family raising close to US$60,000 (RM247,200) out of an initial goal of US$5,000 for her funeral expenses.
Carmen’s younger brother, Alvin Lee, penned a tribute to his sister after thanking the donors, describing her as an exemplary sibling and the most caring person in the world.
“Carmen was an amazing role model for both of her younger brothers. She was the first child of an immigrant family. All she wanted was to be successful and provide for her parents.
“She was one of the most fiercest people out in the world. She graduated from UGA (University of Georgia) in 2018 and started to cultivate her hard work into something tangible.”
He said their family and her boyfriend are devastated by the sudden loss.
“Carmen Lee or Cai Yi (her actual name) was the glue that pulled our family together in the darkest of times. Being the older child meant she had the most responsibility.”
Alvin added that she took great care of their parents and her younger siblings.
“Yet, even with all that responsibility on her shoulders, she never gave in but persevered through her hardships to get to where she was. It hurts to know that she is gone.
“Although, the worst part was knowing that she was alone when she passed. We would do anything to bring her back home.
“We love you Carmen, you were the best role model for your brothers. You were also the best daughter that our parents could’ve had.”
Carmen leaves behind two younger brothers and her parents. – The Vibes, June 8, 2021
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