Don't worry , be happy (ext)

Don’t worry, be happy, says veteran actress Lai

GEORGE TOWN: As Aunty Meng in the popular old series Empat Sekawan, actress Lai Meng had thousands around the country in stitches with her antics.

And happiness and laughter, says the still-healthy 83-year-old, is the secret to a good life.


Cheerful lady: Lai answering questions during the launch of her book in Sunshine Square, Bayan Baru yesterday.
“You can live with a kind heart or with hatred. I chose to have a kind heart.

“People should not keep their problems in their heart. They should face challenges bravely and things will be fine,” she said when launching her book Lai Meng: A Biography at Sunshine Square in Bayan Baru here yesterday.

Lai Meng, who rose to fame in the series which was aired on television from 1966 to 1988, said the secret to her health was “being happy”.

“You won’t feel old if you’re happy,” she enthused.

The 188-page biography in Chinese tells of her life as an actress, her early days and her ups and downs in life.

The book was first launched in Kuala Lumpur in January and Penang was the second launch.

Ten per cent of the proceeds from the sale of the book, priced at RM33, would be given to Hospis Malaysia.

The Johor-born actress said she was thankful to all those who helped in the publication of the book.

Lai, who real name is Lai Kwai Yoon, began her showbiz career at the age of 13 when she took to the stage to sing and act.

Lai also acted as a mother suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease in Singaporean director Jack Neo’s Money No Enough II in 2008.

She has received many awards including at ntv7’s inaugural Golden Awards last year and also a CHT Lifetime Achievement Award 2010 that honours outstanding Malaysians for their achievements and contributions to society.