Bella Astillah says she wasn't looking for love before Syed Saddiq, prayed for happiness after being 'tired of feeling sad'

Malaysian actress and singer Bella Astillah said she was not actively looking for a new partner until her fiancé, Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, came into her life.

Instead, after going through difficulties in her previous marriage, the 32-year-old said she wanted to focus on her career, parents, and children.

Speaking on a podcast with Indonesian preacher Oki Setiana Dewi, Bella said: "I wasn't looking, I wasn't planning for a relationship."

She added that she had focused on earning money, making her parents happy, and spending time with her children.

During a period when she was feeling down, Bella sought solace by drawing closer to God and performing the umrah pilgrimage without thinking about finding another partner.

Prayed for happiness

Bella said she prayed to God to grant her happiness after everything she had gone through, adding that she was "tired of feeling sad and hurt".

She then spoke about Syed Saddiq, explaining that his acceptance of her children was one of the main reasons she was drawn to him.

She said her children were comfortable with Syed Saddiq and that she was also touched by the way he respected her parents and cared for his own.

Bella added that God had given her more than what she had prayed for.

Doesn't want past trauma to affect new relationship

Bella also reflected on the trauma that can remain after a failed marriage, saying it should not be carried into another relationship.

“Whatever old wounds we have are actually our own responsibility, without having to involve someone else,” she said.

Bella described her relationship with Syed Saddiq as a second chance at happiness.

While Bella admitted she sometimes feared losing her newfound happiness, she said she was grateful to have an understanding partner who prioritised her children and hoped they could face future challenges together.

Getting married on Oct. 10

Bella and Syed Saddiq are set to marry on Oct. 10 at Menara Merdeka Maybank, the tallest building in Malaysia.

The pair grew close in 2025 and became engaged on Mar. 28, 2026.