14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq says he's grateful to actress Bella Astillah
Mr Syed Saddiq and Bella sparked romance rumours earlier in 2025 after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a Malaysian fashion label. PHOTO: BELLAASTILLAH/INSTAGRAM
PETALING JAYA – Former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he was grateful to singer-actress Bella Astillah for standing by him during a challenging time.
Speaking during a live stream on TikTok on June 25 night, Mr Syed Saddiq said that over the course of their six-month acquaintance, Bella had been a constant presence in his life.
'Many people have asked me where Bella is. I think she's taking a break because earlier today, she was with me the whole time.
'I truly owe her a debt of gratitude. Even though we've known each other for only a few months, she's always been there – making me happy, working together. She's always been by my side,' the Muar MP said.
Mr Syed Saddiq, 32, and Bella, 31, sparked romance rumours earlier in 2025 after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a Malaysian fashion label.
He was also photographed accompanying Bella at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in March as she prepared to perform the umrah minor pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Mr Syed Saddiq said in the live stream that he could not always appear alongside the actress as she has responsibilities of her own.
'She has her children, Ayden and Ara, who need her love and attention as a mother,' he said. 'I feel guilty sometimes because she has her work and her family too.'
He told his supporters that he will not forget Bella's kindness.
'She is an extraordinary woman. Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared with what she has gone through,' he added.
Bella was previously married to Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz, 34, with whom she shares two children.
The former couple first divorced in 2019 after Aliff was hit with cheating allegations, but they reconciled in 2020. They divorced for the second time in June 2024.
On June 25 morning, Bella was seen arriving at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support as Mr Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal.
He was later acquitted of all four charges in an RM1.2 million (S$360,000) graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. The former youth and sports minister was previously chief of Armada, the youth wing of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
Bella described the verdict as a deserved winfor Mr Syed Saddiq.
'He's an honest, genuine and brave person who does everything with a sincere heart. Maybe this is a form of repayment for all the good he has done,' she told mStar, The Star's Malay-language news portal, on June 25.
Bella added that she would not be commenting further on her connection with Mr Syed Saddiq.
Mr Syed Saddiq told reporters on June 25 that he had no plans to move to the next phase with Bella.
The MP said his current priority was to spend time with his family, adding: 'I just want to bring my mum, dad and family members out for a meal.'
Asked if Bella would be joining in, Mr Syed Saddiq simply smiled and declined to comment. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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