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July 17, 2006 21:25 PM

Siti Accepts Datuk K After 'Indication'


KUALA LUMPUR, 15 Julai (Bernama) -- Singer Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin, 27, Monday said she accepted the marriage proposal from Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, 47, after receiving an "indication".

"I have thought about this thoroughly and sought an 'indication', and Alhamdulillah, the indication came to me," the country's number one singer told a press conference to announce her wedding date, at the Hotel The Zon All Suites Residence On The Park, Jalan Ampang, here Monday. Also present at the event were Khalid and family members of both parties.

The popular singer of "Biarlah Rahsia" who ended months of speculation over her love affairs, confirmed that the marriage solemnisation would be held on Aug 21 at the Federal Territory Mosque, Jalan Duta, while the wedding ceremony would be held on Aug 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The press conference was telecast live on TV3 via its "Wanita Hari Ini" programme which was aired at 12 noon, and the wedding announcement by a celebrity was the show's first.

Siti Nurhaliza, in a yellow-and-orange coloured "baju kurung" which was nicely matched by Khalid who was in a short-sleeved yellow shirt, said she also made the decision after getting the consent of families from both parties.

Siti Nurhaliza seemed jovial next to Khalid despite being attacked by numerous sensitive questions from the media on her love affair during the 45-minute press conference.

Khalid, a divorcee with four children, had divorced his first wife Tengku Zawiyah Tengku Izham in April last year. He is a director of real estate company Naluri Berhad which also owns The Zon on the Park.

The fifth of eight siblings, Siti, said that Khalid's strong fatherly attribute had also opened her heart to accept the marriage proposal by the businessman to make her as his spouse.

"Let other matters be a secret between him and I, but one of the things that can be shared is his love for his children that really impressed me. I hope this can be shared with fans who have been supporting me all this while. That is my hope," she said.

On her relationship with Khalid's children, the singer said; "I will try my best to be the mother of his children because I view the wedding as not merely accepting him but also his family too. So, I must divide the love in the best way without discriminating, God willing."

For Khalid, his attraction was because "Siti is special in all aspects."

"There are many attractive attributes but I do not want to elaborate. Let those things be my secret," he said with a smile.

Khalid's family had sent an emissary to Siti's family last June at her home in Kuala Lipis, Pahang when their relationship became a hot topic in the local media.

Asked on the special significance of the wedding date, Khalid said that it was chosen in conjunction with the Israk and Mikraj to gain blessings for the historical event.

"The Aug 28 wedding date falls on the 38th wedding anniversary of Siti's parents (Taruddin Ismail and Siti Salmah Bachik)," he said.

On their honeymoon plans, both Siti and Khalid calmly replied to the frequently asked question that they had no plans to go anywhere yet.

"There is no plan yet. What is important now is to fix the date and announce the major matters first," Siti said.

On her career, Siti who won the "Most Popular Female Artiste" title last February and the Music Planet Award 2006 last March said even though she would be a wife, she would continue with her career if her husband approved.

"I will not stop 100 percent but after this I must be wise in dividing time between a career and as a wife," said Siti who would not take a long leave for her wedding as she still had many things to do.

As for her fans, they can see the couple closer when the two are taken for a one-hour procession, touring the KL City Centre area from 5pm on the wedding day.

Another reception would be held at Siti's home in Kuala Lipis, Pahang on Sept 3 for family members, the media and her fans.

On wedding preparations, the couple said that their wedding planner was Nusantara Gems Sdn Bhd, owned by Datuk Raja Shah Reza, while her wedding dress was designed by renowned designers like Radzuan Radzwill, Michael Ong, Khoon Hooi, Embun and the famous Indonesian designer Anna Avanti.

Siti's make-up for the ceremony will be done by the famous beauty expert Nurul Shukor and another beautician from Indonesia known as Mia.

Meanwhile in BERA, Pahang, fans of Siti among the Orang Asli considered the wedding announcement as a proper move and should have been taken sooner to prevent speculation.

Pos Iskandar native chief, Mohd Noor Jan, said the community here considered Siti as a princess with beauty and a very sweet voice.

"The community here adore Siti, where 85 per cent of them own her album and would choose her songs whenever the monthly karaoke contests are held in the village," he told Bernama.

Peah Dagang, 19, of Semalai descendant, hoped that Siti would not stop singing after her marriage although the singer would also have a responsibility as a wife.

-- BERNAMA