Kidnapped boy Nayati refuses to be cowed

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia - "I left on Friday, I walked to school. Today I'm walking back home. They can't beat me."

These were the brave words of Nayati Shamelin Moodliar after coming home.

Hours after his six-day kidnapping ordeal, the plucky boy insisted on going back to his school to thank schoolmates and teachers who helped search for him.

He also insisted on walking home alone but a few of his friends accompanied him.

His relieved father Shamelin (pictured above) had to pause between sentences to check his emotions while speaking to the media yesterday.

Nayati was not present but his parents showed a video in which he thanked the people for their concern.

"I really appreciate all your prayers, thank you so much for everything that you guys have done," said Nayati, who was dressed in a blue singlet and shorts in the video.

"You guys found me and I really appreciate it. I'm lucky, nothing is wrong with me. I'm not hurt, I'm okay and I made my walk back yesterday, so I'm okay. Thank you everybody."

He appeared to be in good spirits, bouncing about on a bed while recording the message.

Nayati was kidnapped while walking to Mont' Kiara International School on April 27. He was released at the Sungai Buloh rest and recreation area on Thursday morning.

Earlier, Shamelin and Nayati's mother Janice Smith related the agonising days which they endured fearing the worst.

"We coped, actually, with the love and supportive words from everybody in Malaysia. Thank you for helping us through the tough, tough six days," said Janice.