MALAYSIA: TODAY, Malaysia's most-popular celebrity, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin, turns 30 and she has wishes which, without doubt, will be fulfilled.

"I feel better than ever and I'm really excited. Up to this point, I can say that I've advanced in my career and have matured as a woman and a wife. I want to excel further in my music and want to establish myself as a successful businesswoman, too. As a wife, career woman and mother, I want my personal life to go on smoothly. I'm contented with my life, especially after I got married. I feel more at ease and feel that I've discovered the balance in my life. I hope 2009 will bring the light of happiness to my marriage."

Life as a celebrity has never been easy. Siti is one of the few artistes who has continuously made the headlines although, sometimes, not for the right reasons. Yet, far from being affected by the negative comments and brickbats, she has managed to keep her sweet charm, serene demeanour, positive vibes and soft-spoken personality intact.

"The positive side is that experience in these things, and making it through, makes me feel encouraged about continuing on with my life."

Siti and and her husband, businessman Datuk Seri Khalid Mohammad Jiwa, share their thoughts, about the rumours surrounding their marriage and how they are coping with life as one of the country's most-celebrated couples, with HAFIDAH SAMAT

Q: How are you coping with the gossip and allegations about your marriage that have been circulating on the Internet in recent months?

Khalid: I'm a businessman and when reports about our marriage are published, people, especially Siti's fans, tend to pay extra attention to them.

These allegations have caused serious damage to me and I've to admit that I'm badly affected as my credibility is at stake.

It's even harder when I visit government offices and get cynical looks from the people there. Siti and I want to put a stop to the rumours as it will put a strain on our marriage.

If things turn for the worse, the responsible parties will have to pay a heavy price for their actions. In the past, there have been reports about our marriage but I never paid any attention to them.

But when there are reports that Siti has filed for a divorce, I couldn't keep quiet.

I've so much respect for my wife and she is a kind and tolerant woman. How could I break her heart?

We are happily married and I only want the best for our marriage. Trust me, I will never hurt Siti.



Q: Are you frustrated when rumours about your husband allegedly having an affair with former stewardess-turned-actress Rozita Che Wan triggered the interest of the press?

Siti: I really didn't mind at all because I know it was fabricated. I don't even hold grudges towards Rozita because it is a non-issue.



Q: Don't you feel slighted or pressured at all?

Siti: I've experienced a lot since I became an artiste. When it involves my marriage, it tends to get sensitive as it's a matter of two people in love with each other. What was more upsetting was the fact that the matter got blown out of proportion.

Q: How does your family react when they read reports about your marriage in the press?

Siti: My family, including my in-laws, are very understanding. They know that the gossip is merely lies. My mother-in-law lives with us and she has never queried me because she knows my relationship with my husband is fine.



Q: Do you ever doubt your husband's loyalty?

Siti: Alhamdulillah, I trust him wholeheartedly. He is an honest man. He's never kept any secrets from me.



Q: Do you think there are plans by irresponsible parties to sabotage your career and marriage?

Siti: I don't wish to point fingers at anyone. I'm aware that there are certain quarters who are unhappy about our marriage. And what was reported about my marriage recently is totally untrue. Honestly, Khalid and I have been the victims of circumstances.



Q: If you've noticed, there was a lull in these rumours and gossips before it picked up momentum during the release of your latest album, Lentera Timur. Do you think it was purposely done as negative publicity for the album?

Siti: I don't think anyone is out there pouring sand into my rice bowl.

I don't ride on bad publicity to sell the album. I'm targeting for the album to hit the 100,000 mark, so let the album's quality speak for itself.

I hope that members of the press will co-operate with us. If there are doubts, please feel free to contact us and clarify the stories before they see print.

I also pray that my fans and friends will pray for our happiness.