Bella Astillah grateful Syed Saddiq chose her despite her flaws: 'I know I'm not perfect

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysian opposition leader Sy Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman married singer‑actress Bella Astillah on 10 October in a solemnisation ceremony held on Level 118 of Merdeka 118 Precinct, the couple’s families said.

Both the groom and the bride used the occasion to thank supporters and to reaffirm personal commitments that extend beyond the ceremony. Bella, whose full name is Dayang Nabellah Awang Astillah, told Sy Saddiq that she was “grateful for you choosing me. I know I am not perfect, and there are many other choices out there.

But InsyaAllah I will do my best to be an obedient and pious wife.” Sy Saddiq, who turned 34 on the day, said he felt nervous during the solemnisation, describing his knees and hands as shaking, but added that once the marriage was official “it was all over.” He also thanked the public for prayers and support that had accompanied the couple through “various challenges before we were united as husband and wife.”

The ceremony began at 10.40 a.m., with former Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al‑Bakri acting as the representative of Bella’s father, Awang Astillah Abdullah, also known as Dullah. The marriage was broadcast live on television and on Astro’s social‑media platforms, allowing a wider audience to witness the event. About 250 family members, relatives and close friends attended the modestly staged gathering, which featured a blend of political, cultural and diplomatic guests.

Among the political dignitaries present were Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri; former prime ministers Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob; and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

The guest list also included Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who had been invited by Sy Saddiq, Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh and former foreign minister George Yeo, underscoring the cross‑border interest in the high‑profile marriage.

The dowry and wedding gifts exchanged between the families reflected traditional customs. Bella received a dowry of RM500 (approximately S$156) and seven trays of wedding gifts from the groom’s side. In return, the bride’s side presented nine trays of gifts. Notably, Sy Saddiq’s contributions included Employees Provident Fund savings worth RM100,000 transferred via the i‑Simpan facility and an umrah package, signalling both financial and religious gestures.

Bella’s personal background adds another layer to the public’s interest. The 32‑year‑old is on her second marriage. Her first marriage was to Singapore‑born singer Aliff Aziz in September 2016. The couple divorced on 16 May 2019, reconciled briefly, and then separated again on 13 June 2024. Bella is mother to two children from that marriage: Mohamed Ayden Adrean, nine, and Ara Adreanna, six.

She pledged during the ceremony to fulfil her responsibilities as a wife and mother “to the best of her ability,” echoing the sentiment expressed in her earlier remarks about being an “obedient and pious wife.”

The wedding’s location, Merdeka 118, is Malaysia’s tallest skyscraper and a symbol of the country’s modern development. Holding the solemnisation on its 118th floor highlighted the couple’s desire to blend tradition with contemporary settings, a theme that resonated with observers who noted the juxtaposition of a traditional Malay marriage ceremony against a backdrop of cutting‑edge architecture.

Sy Saddiq’s remarks during the live broadcast also touched on his political life. He contrasted the nervousness he felt at the ceremony with his comfort in parliamentary debates, stating, “Debates are no problem, and neither is speaking in Parliament, but I was nervous just now.” The comment underscored the personal vulnerability he experienced despite his public persona as a seasoned lawmaker and former Youth and Sports Minister.

The presence of senior political figures from both the current administration and former governments suggested a broad base of support for the couple’s union. Their attendance may also reflect the intertwining of personal relationships and political networks in Malaysia’s elite circles, a dynamic that has long shaped the country’s public discourse.

Following the ceremony, Bella expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the event, saying, “I am truly honoured and grateful to Allah that everything has gone smoothly today. Thank you to everyone who has always prayed for us, supported Bella and YB, and continued to pray for us to this day. We truly appreciate it, praise be to Allah.” Sy Saddiq echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the public’s prayers and support throughout their relationship.

The marriage, now officially recorded, positions Bella Astillah as the spouse of a prominent opposition figure at a time when Malaysia’s political landscape remains fluid. While the source does not detail any immediate policy implications, the union brings together entertainment and politics, potentially influencing public perception of both sectors. Observers will watch how the couple balances their respective careers with family life, especially given Bella’s responsibilities toward her two children.

The ceremony concluded without further public statements, leaving the newlyweds to begin their life together. Their next steps, as indicated by Bella’s pledge, will involve fulfilling marital duties and maintaining the religious devotion she highlighted, while Sy Saddiq is expected to continue his parliamentary work and political engagements.

The marriage, witnessed by a cross‑section of Malaysia’s political and diplomatic community, thus marks both a personal milestone and a moment of public interest that will likely resonate in the country’s social and political narratives for months to come.