Dato’ Seri Siti Nurhaliza is a name that needs no introduction to the public. Aside from her top-notch vocals, the iconic songbird is well-known for her squeaky-clean image.
Despite this, the public figure has not spared from controversy. Over the course of her 3-decade long career, Siti – or fondly known as TokTi – has been involved in several scandals that made headlines. Here are the five controversies involving the multi-award-winning superstar in the past:
1. Kampung image + Refusing to take photos with male celebrities
Since the beginning of her career in the ’90s, TokTi has always sported a modest appearance, as seen in her red carpet looks and stage outfits. Due to her old-fashioned choice of clothing, she was criticised by the public, with some even went as far as to call her ‘Penyanyi Kampung’. Additionally, she was also called out for her refusal to take photos with male celebrities at that time.
Despite the backlash, TokTi was quick to defend her image, saying, “As an artist, I do realise that there are many social responsibilities that I need to take care of. So, I opt to be moderate in everything, including in my sartorial matter. I want to show what my talent is, and my God-gifted vocal ability without relying on sexy outfits.”
2. Comparison to Noraniza Idris
Although TokTi is best known as a ballad and pop singer, “Cindai”, her third studio album, saw her venturing into traditional Malay folk songs. Following the success of the album, many fans began comparing her to Noraniza Idris, another female singer whose best known for ethnic pop songs.
The two singers collaborated on a special duet album titled “Seri Balas”. The album contained the smash hit “Hati Kama”. That said, rumours began to spread that Noraniza was not happy with people leaving positive remarks towards TokTi’s effort in performing traditional Malay songs. The former had since clarified that there’s no bad blood between them. TokTi also said that she fully respects Noraniza as a fellow artiste in the music scene.
3. Feud with Sharifah Aini
Back in August 2005, the internet was abuzz after legendary singer Datuk Sharifah Aini was accused of defaming TokTi in an email to her adopted brother, Ahmad Shaharil Jamaludin. The email contained several slanderous claims, among those include claims that the “Anugerah Juara Lagu” winner had used black magic. However, in January 2006, Sharifah Aini was later freed from all the charges.
Up ’til the present day, both stars have yet to address their alleged beef. The “Mawar Putih Untuk Mama” songstress drew her last breath on 5th July 2014, and Siti was present to bid her farewell to the legendary singer, proving that there’s no hard feelings between them.
4. Secret relationship with Datuk K
TokTi broke the hearts of millions of her fans soon after she went public about her marriage plans with her now-husband Dato’ Sri Khalid Jiwa, or better known as Datuk K, back in 2006. Not to mention, the news also sparked an uproar and criticism from the public. Some even accused TokTi of breaking up the marriage of Khalid and his first wife Tengku Zawyah. However, the “Aku Cinta Padamu” singer immediately put the rumours to rest.
She said she only got to know Khalid, a father of four, after her Royal Albert Hall concert in London. Meanwhile, Khalid said he first fell in love with Siti after he visited her at her Kuala Lipis home, and she was dressed simply in a batik sarong and T-shirt. “For me, it was amazing that a celebrity could be so unpretentious,” he said, adding that he had strong feelings for her, when he saw her walking up the stairs.
TokTi and Datuk K tied the knot in a grand ceremony held at the Federal Territory Mosque on 21st August 2006. The first wedding reception was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on 28th August. The second wedding reception took place on 3rd September 2006 in Siti’s hometown of Kuala Lipis, Pahang. The wedding was included in the Top 20 celebrity weddings on Yahoo Buzz.
5. MCO SOP Breach
TokTi and Datuk K welcomed her second child, Muhammad Afwa, on 19th April 2021. That same month, they held an aqiqah, maulid and tahnik ceremony for their newborn baby boy. The ceremony was attended by numerous religious figures including Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, Ustaz Azhar Idrus, Ustaz Don Daniyal and Ustaz Iqbal Zain Al-Jauhari.
However, the family ended up receiving massive heat after several netizens began calling them out for breaching the Covid-19 SOP. In particular, many questioned about the presence of those who travelled interstate without any valid reasons. Following that, the singer released a lengthy statement to shed some light on the matter.
