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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Aliff Aziz on Bella Astillah: I'm happy to see her move forward
SINGAPORE: Following his divorce from Bella Astillah, Singaporean singer and actor Aliff Aziz, 34, has expressed happiness for his ex-wife, seeing her move on with her life. In an interview with Singapore's Berita Minggu, Aliff reacted positively to the social media buzz surrounding Bella's relationship with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, often linked to the hashtag #BASS. "If their happiness lies there, I am content and wish them both the very best," Aliff said, emphasising that his primary concern remains the well-being of his two children, Ayden Adrean, 8, and Ara Adreanna, 5. "Ayden and Ara are surrounded by people who love them, God willing. That's my first thought. "Whoever is around them, as long as they are loved and treated well... That's enough." As a father, Aliff said he feels no jealousy when he sees his children happy. Despite his contentment with their happiness, Aliff, the former champion of Gegar Vaganza Season 8 (GV8), admitted his deep longing for his children, having lost contact with them since 2024. He revealed that he hasn't had the opportunity to meet or communicate directly with them, finding it difficult to watch their video recordings without becoming tearful. Even from afar, Aliff follows his children's progress, especially around their birthdays — July 8 for Ayden and July 18 for Ara. "I miss them so much. My prayer every day is to be able to see them again and convey everything I hold in my heart," he said. "Daddy always remembers and prays for Ayden and Ara... I love you so much and I miss you." Aliff hopes fate will reunite them, allowing him to explain many things. On Feb 21, Aliff and Malaysian actress Ruhainies were fined RM3,000 by the Federal Territories Syariah High Court after pleading guilty to a khalwat charge. This followed reports in March 2024 of a married artiste and actress being caught in close proximity at a luxury condominium. Bella and Aliff, who married in 2016, divorced with a single talaq on June 13, 2024. Aliff openly admitted his guilt over not being present for important moments in his children's lives. He also worries about how society's mixed perceptions of him might affect them. Facing a dilemma, he often debates whether to remain silent to protect his family or take legal action, which could escalate tensions. His current focus, Aliff emphasised, is no longer on external matters or current sensations. Instead, he's dedicating his energy to his recovery process and getting back on his feet. He expressed appreciation for his mother's unwavering support, acknowledging the toll his issues have taken on his family. Determined to rise, he aims to become someone they can be proud of again. Aliff also touched on the pressure from media narratives and public perceptions, admitting there are times he feels compelled to speak up but refrains to protect his children and family. "Sometimes I want to tell you everything. But when I think about the impact on my children and family, I end up feeling completely in the wrong," he said.


New Paper
10-06-2025
- Health
- New Paper
Woman fights cancer and heartbreak to give her 3 children a better life
Confidence, perseverance and patience - these are the principles that Ms Alawiyah Jaffar, 52, held on to as her life was thrown into turmoil. In 2008, she was diagnosed with Behçet's Disease, an inflammatory condition that can affect various parts of the body including the skin, joints and mouth. Just two years later, she received an even more devastating diagnosis - leukaemia. As she grappled with illness, she was also navigating a difficult divorce and adjusting to life as a single mother to three young children. Her youngest was just seven at the time. "It felt incredibly heavy," she recalled. "I was sick, I had to go to the hospital, care for the children and manage the divorce at the same time. "People said all kinds of things about me and my children. I cried alone… but I used those words as motivation." Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Ms Alawiyah continued working, as a clinic assistant on weekdays, and at the Singapore Zoo on weekends, to support her family. "I was like an octopus, juggling everything," she said with a tired laugh. "But I knew my focus had to be my children. I even told my doctor, and they adjusted my chemotherapy so it wouldn't be too intense." Her treatment was tailored to allow her to continue functioning as a mother - extending the duration so it would be less taxing on her body. When she was first diagnosed, giving up never crossed her mind. "I didn't dwell on the illness. I just thought, I want to use the time I have to make sure my children feel loved. I didn't want to have any regrets." Even in exhaustion, she remained present. "After chemo, I'd be so weak. But when my children came home, I'd get up and cook. If they were studying at night, I'd make Milo or Maggi for them. I went to bed only after they slept," she said, eyes welling up during an interview with Berita Minggu. The journey wasn't easy, but she never imagined how far her children would go. "I thought they were just average. But when people praised them, I realised that all my sacrifices were worth it," she said proudly. Her eldest son, Mr Akmal Danial Mohamed Nor, 29, holds a diploma. Her second son, Mr Arman Harith Mohamed Nor, 27, is an engineer. Her youngest, Ms Dayana Marsya Mohamed Nor, 23, is currently studying at Nanyang Technological University. Looking back, Ms Alawiyah said she is grateful that all the perseverance and hardship were not in vain. Along the way, support came from the Ain Society. Introduced to the group by officials from 4PM (Malay Youth Literary Association), she attended craft activities, while her youngest daughter underwent art therapy. "She used to be very quiet and had trouble expressing herself. But after therapy, she became more confident and open," she shared. In 2015, Ms Alawiyah remarried. Her husband, Mr Mohamed Mazli Mhd Noor, has been a strong pillar of support in raising her children. "Now I don't feel so burdened. We share the load. I'm grateful - he even attended school events and cheered the kids on," she said. For her resilience and unwavering dedication, Ms Alawiyah was on May 24 honoured with the Ibu Tabah Award: Mdm Halimah Yacob Challenge Shield by Ain Society. Her message to other mothers facing hardship? "Don't be afraid. Be confident, be strong, and be patient. If we fall, who will take care of our children? Believe in yourself, and keep going for their sake. Every step you take is a victory."