MALAYSIA: Malaysia's top pop queen announces nuptial plans

Malaysia's top pop queen, 27-year-old Siti Nurhaliza, who has fans across the Malay archipelago, announced on Monday (July 17) that she will marry businessman Khalid Mohamed Jiwa in late August 2006. The romance between the popular fresh-faced singer and 47-year-old businessman Khalid has been the worst-kept secret since Siti's return from a solo performance in London in April 2005. The couple announced they will get married on August 21 with a grand dinner on August 28 in Kuala Lumpur. The singer, who first burst on the scene in a television talent time competition in 1995, has released 11 albums in her career and has accumulated awards from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and China. She has also been voted Favourite Malaysian Artist by television channel MTV from 2002 to 2005. Siti announced her wedding plans at a packed media conference in Kuala Lumpur as local entertainment journalists peppered her with questions on her impending nuptials. "I have thought long and hard about this and have prayed and asked for a sign and thank God, I have found someone to share my life with forever. I hope my fans will share in my happiness," Siti said as Khalid sat by her side. The businessman was married once before but has since divorced his wife. Siti also said she will continue with her career despite marriage. "With God's will and my future husband's permission, I will continue with my singing career and also focus on my domestic life," Siti said. Siti, who has also been voted Malaysia's most popular female singer from 1997 to 2005, counts tens of thousands as her fans across Malaysia from teenyboppers to pensioners attracted to her singing style and simple lifestyle.

ITN Source | July 20, 2006

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