Latest news with #Aliff
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kelantan end long wait for National Sevens title
KUALA LUMPUR: East Coast giants Kelantan edged defending champions Johor to claim the National Sevens Championships men's open title in Kuala Terengganu today (July 27). Despite having lost a number of their key players due to injuries during the earlier rounds, Kelantan held their nerve to edge Johor 17-12 in the final at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium. Kelantan had earlier in the day beaten hosts Terengganu 26-5 in the semi-finals while Johor downed Selangor 19-12 to advance to the decider. Kelantan team manager Aliff Haiqal Rosli said it was a meaningful victory for them. "Alhamdulillah we managed to regroup after losing a number of our key players and managed to secure the win," said Aliff. "Johor are the defending champions and are a formidable side. We knew we had to be at our best to have a chance of winning. Our goal was to play a fast game. "If I am not mistaken, we last won the National Sevens in 2018 so it means a lot for us to become champions again. Obviously we are very happy." The men's under-21 final saw Johor beating Selangor 15-10. The women's open final saw Selangor defending their title with a 29-0 win over Terengganu. Selangor also defeated Terengganu 29-0 in the women's under-21 final.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Aliff Aziz on Bella Astillah: I'm happy to see her move forward
SINGAPORE: Following his divorce from Bella Astillah, Singaporean singer and actor Aliff Aziz, 34, has expressed happiness for his ex-wife, seeing her move on with her life. In an interview with Singapore's Berita Minggu, Aliff reacted positively to the social media buzz surrounding Bella's relationship with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, often linked to the hashtag #BASS. "If their happiness lies there, I am content and wish them both the very best," Aliff said, emphasising that his primary concern remains the well-being of his two children, Ayden Adrean, 8, and Ara Adreanna, 5. "Ayden and Ara are surrounded by people who love them, God willing. That's my first thought. "Whoever is around them, as long as they are loved and treated well... That's enough." As a father, Aliff said he feels no jealousy when he sees his children happy. Despite his contentment with their happiness, Aliff, the former champion of Gegar Vaganza Season 8 (GV8), admitted his deep longing for his children, having lost contact with them since 2024. He revealed that he hasn't had the opportunity to meet or communicate directly with them, finding it difficult to watch their video recordings without becoming tearful. Even from afar, Aliff follows his children's progress, especially around their birthdays — July 8 for Ayden and July 18 for Ara. "I miss them so much. My prayer every day is to be able to see them again and convey everything I hold in my heart," he said. "Daddy always remembers and prays for Ayden and Ara... I love you so much and I miss you." Aliff hopes fate will reunite them, allowing him to explain many things. On Feb 21, Aliff and Malaysian actress Ruhainies were fined RM3,000 by the Federal Territories Syariah High Court after pleading guilty to a khalwat charge. This followed reports in March 2024 of a married artiste and actress being caught in close proximity at a luxury condominium. Bella and Aliff, who married in 2016, divorced with a single talaq on June 13, 2024. Aliff openly admitted his guilt over not being present for important moments in his children's lives. He also worries about how society's mixed perceptions of him might affect them. Facing a dilemma, he often debates whether to remain silent to protect his family or take legal action, which could escalate tensions. His current focus, Aliff emphasised, is no longer on external matters or current sensations. Instead, he's dedicating his energy to his recovery process and getting back on his feet. He expressed appreciation for his mother's unwavering support, acknowledging the toll his issues have taken on his family. Determined to rise, he aims to become someone they can be proud of again. Aliff also touched on the pressure from media narratives and public perceptions, admitting there are times he feels compelled to speak up but refrains to protect his children and family. "Sometimes I want to tell you everything. But when I think about the impact on my children and family, I end up feeling completely in the wrong," he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Aliff speaks the brutal truth after AFF exit
Blunt: Aliff admitted that a lack of hunger in front of goal was what cost the team dearly. — FAM PETALING JAYA: It takes courage to speak hard truths and winger Aliff Izwan Yuslan has done just that. The 21-year-old admitted that a lack of hunger in front of goal was the key reason behind Malaysia's early exit from the recent AFF Under-23 Championship in Indonesia. While some of his teammates pointed fingers at poor communication and inexperience, the Selangor player, one of the few standout performers in the tournament, believes the young Harimau Muda side lacked the cutting edge to score, despite creating a flurry of chances throughout their Group A campaign. Malaysia suffered a 0-2 loss to the Philippines, defeated Brunei 7-1 and were held to a goalless draw by Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. 'We had so many chances in all three games, but we didn't make them count. Our conversion rate wasn't good,' said the left-footed winger, known for his pace and trickery down the flanks. 'Even Brunei had only one clear chance against us but they scored because they were committed to it. That's what we lacked - the final bit of desire to put the ball in the net.' Malaysia, under coach Nafuzi Zain, created an impressive 70 chances over three games - but only seven goals were scored, with seven of them coming in one match against a weakened Brunei side. Aliff dismissed suggestions that on-field communication was a major issue. 'We've known each other for a long time. Communication wasn't the problem. It's just the chemistry on the pitch that needs a bit more work, especially with some new faces in the squad. That will take time.' Despite being one of the more consistent players during the campaign, Aliff wasn't entirely satisfied with his own performance, saying that he didn't score and assist, despite the number of chances he created from the flanks. With eyes now fixed on the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September, where Malaysia will face Thailand, Lebanon, and Mongolia, he knows the road ahead will be even tougher. 'I'm a little disappointed with myself because I couldn't help the team more,' he admitted. 'But I'll make sure we qualify for the Asian Cup. We'll do better in the qualifiers.'
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Aliff Syukri touched by Siti's support
KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneur and singer Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri was deeply touched when national icon Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza purchased handbags from his brand, demonstrating her support for local entrepreneurs. In a news report today, the 38-year-old Aliff was quoted as saying: "It's an honour. She could buy any luxury brand, but she chose to support a Bumiputera business like mine." He was particularly moved when Siti joined his TikTok live sale with his son, Ammar Ahyan, and commented "done payment" after completing her purchase. "She might have felt sorry seeing me cry, scream, and hustle online," he said in an amused manner. Aliff is now aiming to enter the Malaysia Book of Records for the fastest RM1 million in handbag sales, targeting Aug 3 via TikTok. He has also pledged to donate part of the proceeds to orphanages, with lucky draw prizes including a car, gold, and a stay at Sugeh Resort.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sprinter Azeem does just enough to reach Universiade semis
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's sprint ace Azeem Fahmi may not have been at his fastest, but he still did enough to win his heat and qualify for the 100m semi-finals at the World University Games (WUG) in Bochum, Germany, on Monday. The 21-year-old Auburn University student clocked 10.57s to take heat seven - well off his national record of 10.09 set at the 2022 World Junior Championships in Colombia - but ranked 13th overall among 54 competitors. Compatriot Aliff Iman Fahmi bowed out after finishing fifth in heat five with 11.09. Thailand's Puripol Boonson led the field with the fastest time of 10.23 ahead of the semi-finals, scheduled for later today. In the men's 400m, SEA Games gold medallist Umar Osman booked a semi-final spot after clocking 46.97 to finish fourth in heat four. His semi-final will also be held later today. There was disappointment in the 400m hurdles, with Fakhrul Afizul Nasir placing last in heat two with a time of 1:11.87. In the women's 100m, Olympian Azreen Nabila Alias could only manage 12.04s, placing seventh in heat four - outside her personal best of 11.77s - and failed to progress. Nur Afrina Batrisyia also missed out on the semi-finals, clocking 12.32 for fifth in heat three.
