Earlier this week, Malaysians were thrilled that local director Sabri Yunus had wedded actress Angeline Tan after over 30 years of friendship. However, the joyous occasion received negative press after a religious figure claimed the marriage is not legitimate due to incomplete vows.
The preacher made the accusation following a video of the couple declaring their vows during the wedding ceremony. He claimed that the couple’s declaration of their marriage vows (lafaz gabul) was incomplete, thus making the union invalid. The preacher also went as far as to claim that the two had committed adultery because of this issue.
In response, both Sabri and Angeline said that they were disappointed at the accusation made by the preacher. In a Facebook post, the director called the preacher’s claims a “grave allegation”. He also clarified that there is no confusion about his pronunciations of the marriage vows, which was something pointed out by the preacher. Sabri said, “Whether they heard or comprehended the proceedings does not affect its legitimacy. It’s important to recognise that there can be varying interpretations within religious mazhabs, leading to both agreements and disagreements.”
The 62-year-old also believed that the preacher’s accusation was part of a personal vendetta against Datuk Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, also known as Dr. Maza, the Perlis Mufti who solemnised the marriage. He added that the couple should not become collateral damage in a vendetta between other parties.
His wife, Angeline Tan, has also spoken up about the accusations, saying they are baseless. Speaking to a local news outlet, she said, “For Angeline (me), we have two valid witnesses, so if they said it’s valid then it is. He (the preacher) is not our witness so he has no right to call the marriage invalid.” She also said that the preacher should better understand the rights and wrongs of making slanderous remarks.
We’re glad that the two spoke up against such grave accusations and we hope people will avoid making such slanderous remarks.
Sources: Facebook, New Straits Times, Gempak
