Mrs Halimahton Yusof, 51, when asked what she would say to her estranged daughter if given the chance, told The Straits Times: 'I would give her a big hug. And maybe tell her I will always be there for her. My door is always open for her. She knows my e-mail address, or she can just call.'

Miss Yusof, the third of five children, first made international headlines a decade ago as a 13-year-old maths prodigy who won a place at Oxford University, but later became estranged from her family.

Last month, the 23-year-old hit the news again with a report that she was selling her body for £130 ($350) an hour.

Ms Halimahton, who is divorcing her husband, said the rest of the family is close-knit and happy, and that Miss Yusof's presence would complete the picture: 'Even now, whatever she has done, she does not need to say sorry. Our love for her is unconditional.'

NUR DIANAH SUHAIMI