DAP's Seri Delima rep ties the knot in simple ceremony

GEORGE TOWN: There is an old saying that said if a man makes you laugh, marry him and have a family with him - and that is exactly what Syerleena Abdul Rashid did.

The Seri Delima assemblyman tied the knot with United States citizen Tom Osborn on Friday (Feb 26).

Syerleena and Tom, both 40, solemnised their marriage at the state Islamic religious office in Komtar and the simple ceremony was attended by only five people due to movement control order regulations.

Syerleena said she met Osborn, an entrepreneur, through her brother a few years ago and started their relationship as friends first.

"We were only friends at first, but our relationship took a different turn in 2019 when he visited and supported me when I had a broken leg after an accident while cycling in the US," she said.

Syerleena said after two years as a friend, and then as a committed couple for a year, they decided to take their relationship to the next level.

She said her husband is extremely supportive and understands the hectic schedule of her work as a politician and assemblyman.

"I am very appreciative that I have a wonderful support system. He also makes me laugh and for me, that is important!

"He is a wonderful chef as well," she said.

The newlyweds, however, want to take things slow in terms of raising their own family as both of them are focused on their careers.

Syerleena made her name in the country's political arena when she became DAP's first assemblywoman for Seri Delima in 2018.

She was among three Malay women elected as reps under the party’s banner.

She joined DAP in 2013 and two years later, was appointed to the Penang Island City Council as councillor.