KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — When a politician marries a celebrity, you can expect a guest list that’s anything but ordinary.
And with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman and singer-actress Bella Astillah tying the knot today, their much-anticipated wedding is set to bring together some of the biggest names in Malaysian entertainment and politics.
The couple, affectionately known to fans as BASS — a combination of the initials of their names, Bella Astillah and Syed Saddiq — will exchange vows on the 118th floor of Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest building.
From celebrity bridesmaids and politically connected groomsmen to former prime ministers and other national leaders on the invitation list, here’s a look at who’s who on the couple’s big day.
The star-studded bridal party
Bella has chosen nine of her nearest and dearest to stand by her side as she says “I do”, with an impressive mix of family, close friends, celebrities and socialites making up her bridal party.
She revealed her bridesmaids in an Instagram post, with the line-up led by her younger sister, singer Didi Astillah, and her best friend Elyssa Murni Johari.
Also among them is medical practitioner and social media influencer Datin Seri Dr Affa, wife of Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
She will be joined by socialite Datin Balqish Hussni, wife of Datuk Azril Mohd Radzi, founder of V’Asia Cosmetic and Healthcare.
Another familiar face is Toh Puan Syamim Freida, formerly known as Syamim Farid, an actress and former beauty pageant runner-up who is married to Selangor royal court member Tengku Ezrique Ezzuddean.
Adding a touch of international glamour are Indonesian actress and entrepreneur Tya Arifin and social media influencer Cut Zahra Ermanda.
Rounding out the nine bridesmaids are local radio presenter and singer Emma Suhaimi and actress Nabiha Aimi.
The groom’s inner circle
While Bella’s bridal party boasts a strong celebrity presence, Syed Saddiq’s entourage reflects his political career, with a mix of party colleagues, youth activists, family members and longtime friends.
The line-up was revealed through Astro’s Walimatul Urus Bella Astillah & Syed Saddiq documentary and posts on Instagram.
Among them is his brother, social media influencer Syed Abdullah, better known online as SpaceDollah, as well as his cousin, known simply as Hadi.
Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz is also part of the group, alongside the party’s former information chief and co-founder Luqman Long.
Also making the list are former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s special officer Adam Mukhriz Mohd Muhayeddin and Syed Saddiq’s former special officer Mohamed Amshar Aziz.
Youth advocate Ulya Husamudin completes the line-up.
The political heavyweights on the guest list
Of course, a wedding bringing together a politician and one of Malaysia’s most talked-about entertainers wouldn’t be complete without some familiar faces from the political establishment.
Since announcing their October 10 wedding date in August, Bella and Syed Saddiq have made a series of courtesy visits across Malaysia and Singapore, personally delivering invitations to senior political figures and mentors.
Among those they visited were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, the late Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
The couple met Dr Mahathir and Dr Hasmah in September, before the latter’s death later that month.
Other prominent figures to receive invitations include Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung are also among those invited.
Whether all the VIPs will be able to attend remains to be seen, but the invitation list reflects the couple’s connections across politics and public life.
An all-white affair with Arabian influences
Beyond the famous faces, more details of the celebrations have emerged through Astro’s wedding documentary.
Today’s solemnisation ceremony will feature an elegant all-white theme, complemented by subtle Arabian and Islamic design elements.
According to Syed Saddiq’s father, Syed Abdul Rahman, the Arabian-Islamic concept is a tribute to the family’s ancestral roots in Hadramawt, Yemen.
The documentary also revealed the wedding planners tasked with bringing the couple’s vision to life.
The ceremony is being organised by Kayangan Holdings, which has previously worked with Malaysian celebrities including actresses Nelydia Senrose and Neelofa.
Meanwhile, their October 18 reception at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) will be handled by award-winning wedding planner Reka Teemor.
And the celebrations won’t end there.
The couple have also announced two public wedding receptions, dubbed Kenduri Rakyat, in Muar, Johor, on October 25 and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 31, inviting members of the public to share in their happiness.
Syed Saddiq and Bella’s romance has kept fans guessing since last year, with coy denials and subtle social media hints fuelling speculation about their relationship.
Their love story eventually took a more public turn with a surprise proposal atop Mount Kinabalu, followed by an official engagement on March 28.
Now, their months-long journey from rumoured romance to wedding bells is culminating in a ceremony high above Kuala Lumpur.
