31/03/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

WHAT began as a professional collaboration has now moved into a more serious phase, as celebrity Bella Astillah and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman are now engaged. The news was shared by Syed Saddiq himself on social media. While he did not provide details of the event, he included a video capturing the romantic proposal atop Mount Kinabalu, reported Bernama. “I asked, she said yes. This is not the end of the story – it’s our beginning. What started as a simple collaboration that eventually raised over RM6 million for the people, unknowingly also brought two hearts together. Allah SWT is the best planner,” he wrote. Their relationship began drawing public attention after the couple was frequently seen working together on several initiatives, sparking fan speculation and creating the social media phenomenon #BASS. The pairing of figures from the entertainment and political worlds has not only captured public interest but is also seen as a symbol of how shared goals in serving the community can bring people together. Syed Saddiq announces engagement to Bella Astillah N ATIONAL songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s success in carving out a name as one of the country’s most celebrated artistes continues to inspire Ummi Umairah and her younger brother Ahmad Daiyan, both of whom are rising young singers. The siblings, who are Siti Nurhaliza’s niece and nephew, grew up witnessing firsthand the journey of the popular singer and her many milestones, but they have never treated that privilege as a shortcut to fame. Instead, they see it as a golden opportunity to build their knowledge, drawing from her experience as a reference point and a source of motivation to constantly improve themselves in the highly demanding world of music. Umairah, whose full name is Ummi Umairah Saiful Anuar, said from a young age, they were accustomed to observing their aunt’s discipline and strong sense of commitment, particularly in how she values her fans while remaining humble. “I’ve seen how ‘Mak Iti’ treats her fans and carries herself. Her humility and the way she appreciates those around her have been a great source of inspiration for us as siblings. “It has helped me understand that success in this industry is not just about talent, but also about discipline, respect for fans and others, good manners and making the most of every opportunity,” she said. The emerging talent, who previously won the Popular New Female Artiste award at the 37th Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian last year, also admires her aunt’s stage presence and her ability to connect with audiences during performances. The 15-year-old singer, meanwhile, is currently working on her latest single, a ballad expected to be released at the end of April as part of her rebranding phase in the music industry. Umairah said although the upcoming single leans towards a ballad, she is personally more

MALAYSIA and Thailand are co-producing a horror anthology film, underscoring the deepening cultural and creative ties between the two countries. National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) director of Production Management Mohd Fazli Abdul Aziz said the co-produced horror anthology The DE4D Echoes reflects the expanding cross-border collaboration within Southeast Asia’s film industry while drawing on shared folklore and storytelling traditions. He said the project, supported under the Finas Feature Film Co-Production Fund, is set to further enhance industry capabilities and open up opportunities in both markets. “It will also open up opportunities to market our films in Thailand and vice versa,” he told Bernama when met at the film’s gala night and special screening recently. Fazli added that the collaboration, which received RM1 million in funding support from Finas, would enable Malaysian filmmakers to gain exposure to post-production, filming techniques and scriptwriting. He said The DE4D Echoes , a 113-minute anthology, comprises four segments, each exploring supernatural themes rooted in Southeast Asian folklore, karma and retribution. “Two of the segments are directed by Malaysian filmmakers – Anwardi Jamil and Saqina Latif,” he added. Fazli said the film is scheduled to be screened in Malaysian cinemas in the second quarter of this year. Malaysia-Thailand horror anthology to boost creative ties

Bella (left) and Syed Saddiq. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @SYED SADDIQ SYED ABDUL RAHMAN

Looking up to ‘Mak Iti’

o Rising singers find inspiration in their aunt Siti Nurhaliza

drawn to R&B and hopes to explore the genre more seriously in the future. “I’ve always loved R&B and I do have plans to produce songs with a touch of that genre,” she said, adding that her daily schedule is quite packed as she has to balance school, vocal training and music-related activities such as choir and group singing. Meanwhile, Ahmad Daiyan, affectionately known as Amad, said his aunt’s achievements have taught him that as a newcomer, there are no shortcuts to staying relevant in the industry, and that continuous self-improvement, including maintaining good relationships with fans, is key. Amad, 14, who recently released a Hari Raya song with singer Talitha, is planning to record a solo single after the Aidilfitri celebrations. “For now, my performances are usually scheduled during school holidays or after classes. My studies remain a priority and I’m also active in co-curricular activities such as sepak takraw, rugby and football,” he said, adding that he will be celebrating Aidilfitri with his father’s family in Kuantan, Pahang. – Bernama Umairah expresses interest in R&B and hopes to explore the genre more seriously in the future.

Siblings Amad (left) and Umairah posing together in a photograph. – PICS FROM BERNAMA