Latest news with #Malay-language
Sinar Daily
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Divided voices of Seribu Tahun reflect Malaysia's growing media maturity
In a local TV landscape often filled with predictable plots and familiar tropes, Seribu Tahun has quietly emerged as a bold outlier. The Malay-language drama, which has sparked conversations across social media, stepped into rarely explored territory, weaving LGBT themes into its storyline while firmly grounded in Malay-Muslim cultural contexts. Unlike shows designed to provoke controversy for attention, Seribu Tahun took a different path: it doesn't push agendas, it invites dialogue. Through emotional storytelling and layered characters, it challenges viewers to reflect, not react — offering a rare lens into conversations often left unheard in mainstream Malaysian media. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation lecturer, Ts Mastura Muhammad viewed this public discourse as a sign of progress rather than division. 'The polarised response to Seribu Tahun reveals the evolving state of public discourse in Malaysia. These reactions reflect a society negotiating its values, caught between maintaining traditional norms and grappling with modern complexities. 'Rather than viewing this division as a weakness, it signals the maturity of a media-literate public willing to critically engage with content,' she told Sinar Daily. The series stands out precisely because it refuses to offer simple answers or push a singular perspective. Instead, Seribu Tahun contextualises the struggles of its characters with nuance and care. This approach transforms mainstream media into a dynamic arena for national conversation, provided stories like these are handled with depth and ethical clarity. Mastura emphasised that the drama's layered storytelling offers multiple perspectives rather than promoting a specific ideology or identity. In Malaysia, television drama is often seen as light entertainment, an escape from daily life. But Seribu Tahun challenges this perception. Mastura pointed out that drama can and should serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue. The Seribu Tahun debates reflect a growing public willingness to think critically, engage deeply and confront complexity. Photo: Facebook 'Audience reactions, especially those expressed via platforms like TikTok, have offered thoughtful interpretations of the show's themes, drawing from both social and religious frameworks. These kinds of responses contribute to a richer and more constructive media environment than the usual reception given to formulaic romantic dramas. 'In contrast to other local productions that have mishandled sensitive themes, such as the casual acknowledgment of biological fathers in cases of children born out of wedlock, a portrayal that contradicts Islamic teachings, Seribu Tahun demonstrates a more ethically grounded narrative approach. 'Controversial issues in the series are carefully contextualised or resolved, reflecting a sincere effort to balance creative freedom with cultural and religious considerations,' she added. Malaysia's society is often labelled as conservative, but this simplification overlooks the rich diversity of moral and ideological standpoints held across its population. For filmmakers navigating this landscape, ethical storytelling becomes a tightrope walk. 'Directors and scriptwriters must navigate this complex terrain, shaped by regulation, religious sensitivities and public expectations. Ethical representation in such a setting demands commitment to narrative integrity without falling into sensationalism. 'When addressing taboo topics like LGBT identities, religion, or intersexuality (khunsa), it is crucial for filmmakers to craft portrayals that are contextually relevant, culturally respectful and ethically responsible,' she mentioned. The reach of television drama means these stories carry the power to amplify voices too often sidelined. More than just showing these identities or issues, such narratives invite society to listen and reflect rather than react in knee-jerk fashion. Through these stories, Mastura said that we can come closer to understanding Malaysia's heterogeneous social fabric, rather than perpetuating the illusion of cultural uniformity.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Syed Saddiq says he's grateful to Bella, calls her an extraordinary woman
Syed Saddiq says that over the course of their six-month acquaintance, Bella Astillah has been a constant presence in his life. Photos: Bella Astillah/Instagram Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman says he is truly grateful to actress Bella Astillah for standing by him during a challenging time. Speaking during a livestream on his TikTok account Wednesday night (June 26), the 32-year-old Muar MP revealed that over the course of their six-month acquaintance, Bella had been a constant presence in his life. 'Many people have asked me where Bella is. I think she's taking a break because earlier today (Wednesday), she was with me the whole time. 'I truly owe her a debt of gratitude. Even though we've only known each other for a few months, she's always been there – making me happy, working together... she's always been by my side,' he said. Syed Saddiq added that he couldn't always appear alongside the 31-year-old actress, whose full name is Dayang Nabellah Awang Astillah, as she has responsibilities of her own. 'She has her children, Ayden and Ara, who need her love and attention as a mother,' he said. 'I feel guilty sometimes because she has her work and her family too. He told his supporters that he will not forget Bella's kindness. "She is an extraordinary woman. Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared to what she has gone through,' he added On Wednesday morning, Bella was seen arriving at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support as Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal. He was later acquitted of all four charges in the RM1.2mil graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. Bella described the verdict as a 'deserved win' for the Syed Saddiq. 'He's an honest, genuine and brave person who does everything with a sincere heart. Maybe this is a form of repayment for all the good he has done,' she told mStar, The Star 's Malay-language news portal.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq says he's grateful to actress Bella Astillah
Mr Syed Saddiq and Bella sparked romance rumours earlier in 2025 after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a Malaysian fashion label. PHOTO: BELLAASTILLAH/INSTAGRAM PETALING JAYA – Former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he was grateful to singer-actress Bella Astillah for standing by him during a challenging time. Speaking during a live stream on TikTok on June 25 night, Mr Syed Saddiq said that over the course of their six-month acquaintance, Bella had been a constant presence in his life. 'Many people have asked me where Bella is. I think she's taking a break because earlier today, she was with me the whole time. 'I truly owe her a debt of gratitude. Even though we've known each other for only a few months, she's always been there – making me happy, working together. She's always been by my side,' the Muar MP said. Mr Syed Saddiq, 32, and Bella, 31, sparked romance rumours earlier in 2025 after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a Malaysian fashion label. He was also photographed accompanying Bella at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in March as she prepared to perform the umrah minor pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Mr Syed Saddiq said in the live stream that he could not always appear alongside the actress as she has responsibilities of her own. 'She has her children, Ayden and Ara, who need her love and attention as a mother,' he said. 'I feel guilty sometimes because she has her work and her family too.' He told his supporters that he will not forget Bella's kindness. 'She is an extraordinary woman. Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared with what she has gone through,' he added. Bella was previously married to Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz, 34, with whom she shares two children. The former couple first divorced in 2019 after Aliff was hit with cheating allegations, but they reconciled in 2020. They divorced for the second time in June 2024. On June 25 morning, Bella was seen arriving at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support as Mr Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal. He was later acquitted of all four charges in an RM1.2 million (S$360,000) graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. The former youth and sports minister was previously chief of Armada, the youth wing of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia. Bella described the verdict as a deserved winfor Mr Syed Saddiq. 'He's an honest, genuine and brave person who does everything with a sincere heart. Maybe this is a form of repayment for all the good he has done,' she told mStar, The Star's Malay-language news portal, on June 25. Bella added that she would not be commenting further on her connection with Mr Syed Saddiq. Mr Syed Saddiq told reporters on June 25 that he had no plans to move to the next phase with Bella. The MP said his current priority was to spend time with his family, adding: 'I just want to bring my mum, dad and family members out for a meal.' Asked if Bella would be joining in, Mr Syed Saddiq simply smiled and declined to comment. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AFP
3 days ago
- Politics
- AFP
Social media posts claiming 'UAE sent aid to Israel' share unrelated footage
The 35-second clip starts with an Etihad Airways plane landing at an airport, then switches to footage of pallets of aid being loaded into a plane with "UAE Aid" stickers on them. "Food aid sent by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Dubai directly to Tel Aviv, Israel to be distributed to Israelis affected by the war," reads a Malay-language Facebook post on June 21, 2025 which has been viewed more than 459,000 times. The post goes on to criticise the UAE for sending aid to Israel while "people in Gaza don't have enough food", Image Screenshot of the false post taken on June 25, 2025 with a red X added by AFP The videos surfaced as Iran and Israel exchanged devastating strikes after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13. Iran's health ministry said Israeli strikes have killed at least 610 civilians, while official figures from Israel said 28 people were killed in strikes across the country (archived link). The US military bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in what Trump said on June 21 was a "very successful attack", before Iran responded by launching missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar -- the biggest US military facility in the Middle East (archived link). The UAE denounced the attack by Iran, calling it a "flagrant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace" (archived link). A Israel and Tehran agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24. The clips circulated along with the false claim elsewhere on Facebook, Threads and TikTok, but they predate the war. There are also no official reports that UAE sent aid to Israel. Unrelated footage A Google reverse image search led to an article on Jordanian news site Roya News on April 6, 2021 with a picture showing the same scene in the false post (archived link). The report says it shows the first commercial flight from Etihad Airways arriving in Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi. AFP also published footage of the landing on the same day, with a caption saying it shows the company's first passenger service on the route (archived link). Image Screenshot comparison of the false clip (left) and the AFP video The second part of the false video matches another clip published by AFP on September 13, 2023 showing the UAE preparing rescue machinery and equipment to be sent to Libya (archived link). It shows one of the planes carrying humanitarian aid from the UAE following Libya's call for international aid after a devastating flood killed thousands of people in the country (archived link). Image Screenshot comparison of the false clip (left) and the AFP video AFP has debunked several other false claims related to the Iran-Israel conflict.
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Bella Astillah sheds tears of joy over court's decision to acquit Syed Saddiq
Bella Astillah (far right) is relieved with the Court of Appeal's decision to acquit Syed Saddiq (second from left) of all charges in the RM1.2mil graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. Photo: mStar Malaysian actress Bella Astillah was seen tearing up with joy at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya on Wednesday (June 25) after Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was acquitted of all four charges in the RM1.2mil graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. Bella – who arrived at the Palace of Justice around 8am to show her support for Syed Saddiq, 32 – described the verdict as a 'deserved win' for the Muar MP. 'He's an honest, genuine and brave person who does everything with a sincere heart. Maybe this is a form of repayment for all the good he has done,' the 31-year-old actress told mStar, The Star 's Malay-language news portal. Bella, whose full name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, also said she won't be commenting further on her connection with Syed Saddiq. 'I'm handing all my future plans to Allah SWT. If it's fated, then Alhamdulillah. I'm a woman. It's not sweet to share my plans for the future. Just pray for the best,' she said. Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq told reporters that he has no plans to 'move to the next phase' with Bella. The former Youth and Sports Minister said his current priority is to spend time with his family, adding: 'I just want to bring my mum, dad and family members out for a meal.' When asked if Bella would be joining for the meal, Syed Saddiq simply smiled and declined to comment. For the record, Bella and Syed Saddiq sparked romance rumours earlier this year after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a local fashion label. He was also photographed accompanying Bella at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang in March as she prepared to perform Umrah in the Holy Land. Bella was previously married to Singaporean artiste Aliff Aziz, with whom she shares two kids. The former couple first divorced in 2019 after Aliff, 34, was hit with cheating allegations but reconciled in 2020. They divorced for the second time on June 13 last year.
