Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has dismissed comments likening his relationship with Malaysian singer-actress Bella Astillah to that of Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his late wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
At a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on today (Oct 2), Syed Saddiq said while the comparison was made with good intentions, he did not believe his relationship with Bella could be compared with the 70-year marriage of Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah.
“We don’t feel deserving to be compared – not even close, not even 1%,” said the former youth and sports minister.
Syed Saddiq went on to describe Dr Siti Hasmah as a pioneering woman who broke barriers and helped pave the way for generations of Malaysian women.
He also highlighted Dr Mahathir’s contributions to the country, saying Malaysians continue to benefit from his work.
On the relationship front, Syed Saddiq said Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah had built a lifetime of shared experiences, whereas he and Bella were only at the beginning of their journey.
“We are only just beginning to write the first page in our book. Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah probably already have their own library of books that can tell the story of their lives,” he said.
Rather than comparing themselves with the beloved couple, Syed Saddiq said he hoped to take inspiration from their example.
“Even in the smallest of ways, if we can achieve even 1% of the goodness and contributions that they have made, then that in itself would already be extraordinary,” he said.
Syed Saddiq also urged the public to continue praying for Dr Mahathir and his family as they grieve the loss of Dr Siti Hasmah.
“It’s not an easy process for him and the family. I hope with our prayers and encouragement, he will come out stronger,” he said.
Dr Siti Hasmah passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Sept 28 at the age of 100. She married Dr Mahathir in 1956.
Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq and Bella – who got engaged on March 28 – are set to marry at Menara Merdeka Maybank in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 10.
The couple had previously visited Dr Siti Hasmah and Dr Mahathir on Sept 24 to spend time together and seek their advice on marriage, family and life.
