Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has come to his wife Bella Astillah’s defence after some netizens questioned whether the couple were suitably matched, delivering an emotional speech at their wedding reception at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) yesterday.
Syed Saddiq, 34, said he had seen comments on social media describing him as a “green forest” husband and suggesting Bella was lucky to have him.
“I want to defend my wife tonight,” he said, before highlighting Bella’s achievements from a young age.
He revealed that Bella began participating in RTM’s Bintang Kecil singing competition when she was just five years old. Her talent and performances helped her family move from Sabah to Kuala Lumpur when she was seven.
“When I was seven, I was still playing with erasers with my school friends. But Bella was already becoming independent and finding ways to earn money to support her family,” he said.
Addressing comparisons over education, Syed Saddiq acknowledged that he had received an offer to study at a top university. However, he pointed out that while he was pursuing higher education, Bella had already become a mother, raising her two children.
“She is an extraordinary mother who has raised her two children so well. That is an incredible contribution by Bella,” he said.
He added that if the couple’s suitability was to be debated, he felt he was the one who did not deserve to stand beside Bella.
“If we are going to talk about whether we are suitably matched, I am the one who is not worthy of standing beside Bella. She is the ultimate green forest, she is the ultimate mother. I am privileged to call her my wonderful wife,” he said.
Bella, who stood beside her husband holding his hand, was visibly moved and wiped away tears as he defended her. His heartfelt speech drew loud cheers and applause from the 3,000 guests attending the reception.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Bella said she had been surprised by the speech, as she had not known her husband planned to deliver it.
“I was deeply touched and relieved to know that someone genuinely loves me and my children and is willing to stand up for us,” she said.
Bella added that she had never expected or asked her husband to make such a statement, explaining that public scrutiny was part of life as a celebrity.
“But when he delivered that speech in front of 3,000 guests, I was very moved. I understood that he simply did not want me to feel sad,” she said.
Syed Saddiq later stressed that he was not Bella’s saviour, saying she had built her own life through strength and independence.
“The statement that Bella needs a saviour is not true. I did not save Bella. Bella saved herself. She is strong and independent. Even without me, she has successfully made her two children happy and given them the best education. I am merely completing her life,” he said.
The couple’s first wedding reception was attended by around 3,000 guests, including politicians, national athletes, celebrities and family members. National songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza was also present and delivered a special performance.
