KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — When a politician marries a celebrity, you can expect a guest list that’s anything but normal.
And Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman and singer-actress Bella Astillah are tying the knot today, with their highly anticipated wedding set to bring together some of the biggest names in Malaysian entertainment and politics.
The couple, known affectionately to fans as BASS – a combination of their initials Bella Estila and Syed Saddiq – will exchange vows on the 118th floor of Merdeka 118, the world’s second tallest building.
Here’s a look at who’s on the couple’s big day, from celebrity bridesmaids and politically connected groomsmen to former prime ministers and other national leaders on the invitation list.
star studded bridal party
Bella has chosen nine of her nearest and dearest to stand beside her 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, which included her younger sister, singer Didi Estilah, and her best friend Alyssa Murney Johari.
They also include medical practitioner and social media influencer Datin Seri Dr Affa, wife of Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
She will also be joined by socialite Datin Balkish Husni, wife of V’Asia Cosmetic & Healthcare founder Datuk Azril Mohd Radzi.
Another familiar face is Toh Puan Syamim Frieda, formerly known as Syamim Farid, an actress and former beauty pageant runner-up who is married to Tengku Ezric Ezuddin, a member of the Selangor royal court.
Indonesian actress and entrepreneur Taya Ariffin and social media influencer Kat Zahra Ermanda are oozing international glamour.
The nine bridesmaids include local radio presenter and singer Emma Suhaimi and actress Nabiha Aimee.
groom’s inner circle
While Bela’s bridal party boasted a strong celebrity presence, Syed Saddiq’s entourage reflected his political career, with a mix of party colleagues, youth activists, family members and long-time friends.
The line-up was revealed via Astro Walimatul Urus Bela Astillah and Syed Saddiq Documentaries and posts on Instagram.
These include his brother, social media influencer Syed Abdullah, known online as Spacedolla, as well as his cousin, known as Hadi.
Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz is also part of the group, along with the party’s former information chief and co-founder Lukman Long.
Also included in the list are former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s special officer Adam Mukhriz Mohd Muhyiddin and Syed Saddiq’s former special officer Mohd Amshar Aziz.
Young advocate Ulya Hussamuddin completed the line-up.
Political stalwarts in the guest list
Of course, the wedding of a politician and one of Malaysia’s hottest 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 to Malaysia and Singapore, personally extending invitations to senior political figures and bosses.
Among those he met 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, who died 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 the invitees.
It remains to be seen whether all the VIPs will be able to attend, but the invitation list reflects the couple’s connections in politics and public life.
An all-white affair with Arab influences
Apart from the famous faces, more details of the celebration have been revealed through Astro’s wedding documentary.
Today’s ceremony will feature a beautiful all-white theme, complemented by subtle Arabic and Islamic design elements.
According to Syed Saddiq’s father, Syed Abdul Rahman, the Arab-Islamic concept is a tribute to the family’s ancestral roots in Hadramawt, Yemen.
The documentary also revealed that wedding planners were tasked with bringing the couple’s vision to life.
The event is being organized by Kyangan Holdings, which has previously worked with Malaysian celebrities including actresses Nelidia Cenrose and Neelofa.
Meanwhile, their reception to be held on October 18 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) will be managed by award-winning wedding planner Reka Timor.
And the celebration will not end here.
The couple has also announced two public wedding receptions dubbed Kenduri RakyatOn 25 October in Muar, Johor and on 31 October in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, members of the public will be invited to join in their joy.
Syed Saddiq and Bella’s romance has kept fans guessing for the past year, with shy denials and subtle social media hints fueling speculation about their relationship.
Their love story eventually took a more public turn with a surprise proposal on Mount Kinabalu, followed by an official engagement on 28 March.
Now, their months-long journey from rumored romance to wedding bells is culminating in a ceremony high above Kuala Lumpur.