Nayati asked kidnappers for chicken rice

Nayati's family thanked the public and asked for some quiet time to deal with the kidnapping ordeal.

PETALING JAYA: Twelve year-old Nayati Moodliar wanted to eat chicken rice while he was held by his kidnappers.

His father, Shamelin Moodliar, told this to reporters here today when the family held a brief press conference a day after his son was found unharmed.

“You can tell that he is integrated [into the Malaysian society]. The kidnappers had asked him what he wanted to eat and he [Nayati] answered, ‘Could I have some chicken rice, please,’” he said about his son of Dutch and Indian heritage.

The family’s six-day ordeal ended on a high note yesterday morning when Nayati was found unharmed. He was kidnapped while walking to his school, Mont Kiara International School, on April 27.

His mother, Janice Smith, added that Nayati was well taken care of.

“No words can describe… when we saw our son again [yesterday]. We were so happy,” said the home-maker.

His father added that after meeting his family, Nayati immediately requested to go back to his school to see his friends.

“He asked to go back to school to thank his friends. He knew everyone was waiting for him.

“He wanted to walk back to school,” he said while holding back tears.

Shamelin, a senior adviser in a Dutch business management consultancy firm, added: “This is a strong gesture that Nayati is not afraid and will carry on.”

The family added that things were back to normal as there were celebrations and dancing last night with Nayati.

When asked how did Nayati sleep on his first night back, Janice said: “He slept very well. He only asked us to join him so we slept together.”

The family extended their gratitude to the Malaysian public and also their family abroad in the Netherlands and South Africa.

A tale of human compassion

Shamelin said the family will first take some time off before moving on with their lives.

“First thing we will do is take a family retreat. We appreciate the attention and love given [in Nayati's case]. We came here to thank you and also to say please give us some time to deal with this as a family quietly,” said Shamelin.

He also thanked the Malaysian police for doing a “fantastic” job as the police reassured the family that finding Nayati alive would be their priority.

“They were there with us everyday,” he said.

The family also added that they have no plans to migrate from Malaysia.

When asked, Shamelin said: “After this episode, I can tell you we love Malaysia even more than before… and how everyone has helped us. It is a great country.”

He added: “This isn’t a kidnapping story anymore but [a tale] of human compassion, friendship and love. Everyone from my family overseas and the public were offering their help.”

Nayati was not present at the press conference but a video recording of his thank-you message was distributed to the media.

In the 24-second clip, Nayati dressed in blue was seen cheerfully bouncing around on his bed.

“Really appreciate all your prayers, you guys found me,” he said, smiling.

He added with a big grin: “Luckily nothing is wrong with me. I am not hurt, I am okay.”

Nayati was said to be kidnapped by two local men in a black Proton Gen 2 .He was released at a rest and recreation stop in Rawang early yesterday morning. News reports claim that a ransom was paid.

When asked about the ransome the family said they were not at liberty to comment on the matter.