#SHOWBIZ: Anita Mui's estranged brother barred from mother's funeral, holds roadside ritual

Hong Kong's Peter Mui Kai Ming, the eldest brother of late Cantopop star Anita Mui, conducted a roadside memorial service for his mother, Tam Mei Kam, outside her former residence on September 23. He and his Thai fiancée, May May, were captured carrying a portrait of Tam along with incense, candles, joss paper, and other ritual offerings to the pavement outside the home.

Undeterred by onlookers, the couple proceeded to light the incense and candles before systematically burning the offerings. Peter, visibly emotional, called out to his mother, "Mum, collect your things!" He later vowed to manage his mother's remaining funeral rites to ensure she could find peace. Gazing at the portrait, he vowed, "I will definitely help you get it back. Rest assured!"

Tam Mui passed away on August 30 at the age of 102. Prior to her burial, Peter had announced plans to spend HK$1.5 million (approximately RM779,874) on her final send-off and threatened to seek a court injunction to prevent cremation. He was recently hospitalized due to a sudden increase in blood pressure triggered by anger over his exclusion from a Sept 19 service.

Peter threatened legal action against his nephew, who handled the arrangements, demanding compensation of HK$3 million (about RM1.47 million) for alleged murder. He also vowed to sue the police over their handling of his mother's personal effects.

According to a close friend of the late matriarch, Tam had explicitly requested a low-key, quiet funeral. She specifically did not want to see Peter, which is why he was kept in the dark about the final arrangements.