If you’re not competing,why the fuss?

by Halim Said -
ADMIT it. Don’t deny it!

Media Prima Television Networks group chief executive officer Datuk Farid Ridzuan threw the challenge to rival TV stations when asked to comment on the viewership rating dispute over the simultaneous ‘live’ telecasts of TV3’s Siti Nurhaliza-Datuk K wedding reception and RTM-Astro Ria’s Mawi-Ina pow-wow on Aug 28.

“Those who want to compete with us should admit it.”

According to AGB Nielsen Media Research’s overnight rating, 6.3 million viewers watched the TV3 show while 4.7 million tuned in to RTM and Astro Ria for more than the required 15 minutes.

It was reported that peak viewership were registered for TV3 when artistes like Ziana Zain, Too Phat, Ning Baizura and Indonesian diva Kris Dayanti performed, and RTM1 and Astro Ria when Once of Dewa and Ina, Mawi’s ex-fiancee, took the mike.

Farid said TV3 stands by AGB Nielsen’s yielding rating as it clearly follows the worldwide standard measurement practised and audited by the agency.

“The figures are there and numbers don’t lie. The important thing is how you approach them. Normally, they will review the first 15 minutes of the show to see how many are tuning in.”

On Deputy Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi disputing the way the ratings were collated, Farid said TV3 was merely following the worldwide best practices.

“If he wants to dispute it, it’s up to him. He can go to the agency to check because we have nothing to hide.”

He said the media industry strived on competition and it’s good when it’s healthy.

“Ratings are important as it concerns our clients and advertisers. For critical programmes like the wedding reception, we needed overnight rating results.”

Farid was speaking to the Press after the inaugural visit by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid at Sri Pentas in Bandar Utama yesterday.

On hand to greet the royal entourage were Media Prima chairman Datuk Abdul Mutalib Mohamed Razak, and group managing director and chief executive officer Abdul Rahman Ahmad.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and Tuanku Fauziah and some 20 royal visitors were briefed on the TV stations and affiliates.

MM says: And hips don’t lie, too.

Siti’s Jakarta treat off

-by Joe Lee -
THE wedding reception in Jakarta is off despite earlier plans and there won’t be a reception in Kedah either.

More importantly, Siti Nurhaliza wants privacy and the plug pulled on the media spotlight on her union with businessman Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa.

“We are not holding an official reception in Jakarta,” said the diva before the reception in her hometown of Kuala Lipis yesterday.

Siti did not want to divulge any information on what transpired.

What was supposed to be an event this Saturday, to be hosted by Indonesian TV station Trans TV, in co-operation with TV3, has been called off without further explanation.

“I will be there on Friday for an event where I will endorse a lifestyle product brand and that’s about all that’s planned,” she said.

The endorsement and launch event is the first stage of plans for a programme on Trans TV where Siti will judge the search for a spokesman for another product by the company.

“There is nothing official at the moment for the reception, Siti said. “There is nothing on… it’s been too short a period to plan.”

Also, nothing has been planned in Khalid’s hometown of Sungai Petani in Kedah.

“Most of his relatives are in Kuala Lumpur, so we haven’t really thought about a reception in Kedah.”

Khalid’s presence was sorely missed when Siti greeted the Press corps comprising both local and Indonesian media representatives.

“He is not a celebrity, he is a businessman, and he wishes to remain so,” she said.

“He will continue to remain in the background when necessary.”

Siti said she hoped future appearances with her spouse would preferably not involve or dwell on questions about their union.

“I have requested before for privacy. Now, everything has been shared, and it’s time to move on.

“I am thankful for all the media attention and coverage, however, I hope after today, there will be a shift in focus to my career. Let my marital life remain strictly between my husband and me.”

When pressed for more information about her new role as a wife, Siti afforded a smile before replying, “my experience has been no different from anyone else’s.”

“It’s been a happy period, though one that’s now laden with new responsibilities.”

She voiced rather regretfully of not being able to do certain things, like cooking for him.

“We have not really settled down yet as we’ve been busy visiting relatives,” she said.

In fact, despite the fasting month of Ramadan approaching, Siti said the issue of where to celebrate Aidilfitri has not even been discussed.

“’Tak osom lagi’,” she said with a laugh.

With just over a week to spare for her honeymoon, Siti is keeping mum over the couple’s destination.

“I will only have just over a week for my honeymoon get-away overseas.”

She, however, refused to disclose any details of their romantic hideaway.

MM says: Let’s give the new bride a break.

Siti’s dream come true

-by Najiah Najib and Halim Said -
THE wedding reception of pop princess Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin and Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, billed the ?Wedding of the Year?, lived up to expectations.

The event, which was telecast ?live? over TV3, saw almost 3,000 guests, comprising royalty, political figures, celebrities as well as fans, thronging the main hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre last night.

True to the ?garden wedding? concept, the hall was spectacularly decked in fresh roses and white carnations, while white drapes and green creepers adorned the ceiling.

Guests arrived as early as 6pm while royal well-wishers, including Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah and Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, arrived at 8.40pm.

The ceremony began at 9pm when the newly-weds made their way to the dais for the merenjis (blessing of bride and groom) ceremony.

First to bless the newly-weds was Sultan Ahmad Shah, followed by Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Khalid?s elder sister Zaiton Mohd Jiwa was next followed by the Yang diPertua of Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Ahmad Barieng, and his wife before the Yang diPertua of Malacca, Tun Khalil Yaakob and his wife took their turn.

Siti?s parents Tarudin Ismail and Siti Salmah Bachik gave their blessings after Khalid?s mother Siti Zainab Hanafi gave hers.

However, if anyone was expecting this to be a normal wedding, they would have been surprised when entertainers took the stage.

The performers included children?s dance troupe Swatari, singers Nash, Ezlynn, Too Phat, Ziana Zain, Datuk M. Daud Kilau, Nora, Indonesian diva Kris Dayanti and Cat (Siti?s protege from the TV3 talent show Mentor) on podiums which were set up on either side of the hall.

Following a change of clothes, the couple made their way out of the banquet hall to watch the video presentation of Siti?s journey as a singer, courtesy of TV3, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony.

While most were expecting the traditional speech from the newly-weds, they were surprised when Siti decided to take the show into her own hands.

Thanking the crowd, she then launched into a song, Cahaya Cinta, a song she composed for her ?suami tercinta? (beloved husband).

Later, Zaiton told The Malay Mail that Khalid had called her every half an hour before the wedding to check on the preparations.

?We had a lot of last-minute calls from people who wanted to attend the wedding, and Khalid insisted that we fit in everyone as he didn?t want anyone to be left out,? she said, adding that they had to make arrangements to accommodate an additional 500 seats.

Siti?s youngest brother, Mohd Hafiz Tarudin, 19, said he was happy for his sister and prays for her happiness.

When asked if he had a partner and if he was anywhere near to following his sister?s footsteps in tying the knot, he laughed and said, ?Who doesn?t have a partner these days? But at this point, I think I?ll worry about my studies first.?

All systems go!

-by Najiah Najib -
THE Wedding of the Year is good to go!

As is the norm with all mega-events, the main hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre was a hive of activity yesterday as production crews rushed against the clock to get the hall ready for the wedding reception of singer Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin and Datuk Khalid Mohd Jiwa.

The wedding will be telecast ?live? over TV3 at 9pm tonight.

The Malay Mail visited the site yesterday at 4pm to check on the progress.

The wedding?s programme co-ordinator, Harris Ahmad Shah, said he was pleased with the progress so far.

?Everything is going smoothly for now. We haven?t had any major problems with the set-up.

?Although we have yet to set up the pelamin (dais), I?d say we?re about 60 per cent done,? he said.

The pelamin, he said, would only be set up after the wedding rehearsals are completed. The rehearsals were carried out behind closed doors.

Malay Mail lensman Mustafa Kamal visited the hall on Saturday and found it strewn with cables, wires and other equipment.

Yesterday, however, was a major improvement as the dining tables had already been set up and laid out, and decorations were almost all in place.

?Even the allocation of tables for the guests have been completed. We are preparing the ushers and bridesmaids on their roles tomorrow. This will probably take time as there is a large number of them,? he said.

Harris hoped that production can be completed tonight to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

?I?m confident that we?ll have the entire hall completed by tonight (last night), leaving us with time to spare. If need be, we?ll work round-the-clock to ensure that everything is perfect,? he said.

Harris said invited guests are expected to arrive at 7.30pm tonight, while members of royalty, including the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, and the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, will arrive at 8.15pm.

Some 2,200 guests are expected to attend the ceremony.

Siti’s treat for her fans

-by Joe Lee -
FANS of Siti Nurhaliza who were looking forward to the now-cancelled parade of luxury in a horse-drawn carriage, still have a reason to be at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

Wedding planner Datuk Shah Rezza said the event, which was scheduled as a ?gift? to her fans, has been axed.

?There will also be no motorcade as speculated.

?Siti, however, will appear on the balcony of the third floor of the the KL Convention Centre at the West Wing, which is near Mandarin Oriental, about 5pm to 5.30pm to acknowledge her fans.?

The replacement on the itinerary, said Shah Rezza, was something Siti herself thought up.

?She had spent the last few nights thinking about it; how she could interact with her fans, despite the protocol and security.?

The horse-drawn carriage tribute to her fans was called off due to security and weather concerns.

As Siti plays princess to her fans, expect her to be decked in the wedding gown designed by Khoon Hooi.

Siti will be wearing RM1.8 million worth of jewellery with her accessories, including a custom-made pearl tiara, necklace, bracelets, ring and a pair of earrings, all diamond-studded, apart from tiny white pearls that will be stitched on her gown, sponsored by Rafflesia The Pearl Centre.

The dress itself will be a cream coloured imported Italian silk Duchess satin, complete with a three-metre veil stitched with pearls as well.

Datuk Khalid Mohd Jiwa will be decked out in a dark grey summer wool tuxedo with a cream vest, shirt and tie, also designed by Khoon Hooi, with pearl cuffl inks and buttons from Rafflesia.

It’s not about ratings, says Minister

IT’S sheer co-incidence —and RTM thinks she’s got the looks and the gift of the gab.

Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin said RTM1 wasn’t thinking about ratings war by airing …Ina the same time as TV3’s Siti Nurhaliza-Datuk K wedding reception and As t ro ’s programme on Ina’s ex-fiance, Mawi.
The shows are to be aired ‘live’ on Monday at 8.30pm.

“This is a co-incidence,” he said. “The date was decided even before Siti announced her wedding and the timing was based on Ina’s availability. We have no intention of competing with other stations.” “The …Ina programme is a good alternative for non-Siti fans. Don’t make comparisons. Come on, how could Ina possibly compete with a pop princess? Siti was also a product of RTM (winner of 1995 Juara Bintang RTM).

On Zainuddin’s previous chiding of the media for playing up sensational “fluffy” news, he said Ina’s show was di f f e re nt .

“Ina is not viewed as Mawi’s ex-fiancee but an individual with untapped talents. She has the looks, she wrote a book and is articulate. She has the potential of becoming a TV ho s t , ” he said.

“This is her chance to regain her self-esteem after going through the break-up

It makes GOOD business sense

By Jad Mahidin, Specialist writer

26 August, 2006

THE extensive coverage of Siti Nurhaliza’s relationship with Datuk K that led to the ‘Wedding of the Year’ has piqued many. To many, it’s so ‘over’ that some have decided to become the songstress’ ex-fans.

But seriously, Siti sells and anyone worth his business salt knows this.

TV3’s viewership for her engagement and akad nikah ceremonies held earlier this week soared to almost three million for the two-hour show.

This means that other stations, particularly RTM and Astro, left out of the wedding frenzy, had to be content with the minority who decided not to watch it.

Now, while half the nation awaits Siti’s wedding reception at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to be aired ‘live’ over TV3 next Monday, RTM and Astro have apparently teamed up to try and seduce Siti’s non-fans.

Both stations (a first for them) will be airing the Mawi-Ina pow-wow, something almost as sensational as TV3’s ‘wedding’ slot on the same time.

If I am not mistaken, Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin, some time ago, chided the media for playing up sensational ‘news’ he deemed ‘fluffy’.

So why is RTM doing this Mawi-Ina pow-wow? Monday night, of all days? Surely, it’s for business reasons too, right? Or, is the show planned so that non-Siti fans would have something to watch? At least Siti’s decision must have been made with her eyes open. For Mawi and Ina, I feel that they are doing it with their eyes shut.

Siti: I’m not a home-wrecker

-by Joe Lee -
“I AM not a husband stealer, and I didn’t wreck anyone’s marriage.”

In an intimate tell-all session with members of the media yesterday, pop diva Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, 27, related how hurtful such allegations are.

Since the announcement that she would wed Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, 47, who divorced Tengku Zawyah Tengku Izham, 44, Siti has been the target of abuse from fans and critics.

“The tag of husband stealer hurts. People have to understand that it’s a different situation.”

She repeated the couple’s claims that their affair only began after she returned from her show at the Royal Albert Hall in April last year. Any encounters with Khalid before that were business-related.

“I understand the implications of my decision (to wed Khalid) and such accusations are expected.

“I can’t fight it all and perhaps when the right time comes, the religious department will step in and officially disclose that I had nothing to do with it,” she said, adding that she was not close to Khalid’s ex-wife and they were merely casual acquaintances.

Khalid himself, who answered questions from the Press, also drove home the point.

“My relationship with Siti started only after my divorce and Siti had nothing to do with it.

“People should stop accusing Siti of breaking up my marriage. It would have happened anyway, and she is not the source, or the reason for the split.”

Khalid said he did not say anything earlier because, “firstly I was not asked, and secondly, I find it too personal.”

Khalid, however, said he wanted the truth to be told.

“We divorced in 1998, but reunited three months later. However, some problems put a strain on the relationship sometime in 2002 or 2003 and we decided to part,” he said.

He added that the decision to split from his wife was made after he sought advice from religious figures, including Datuk Harun Din.

“Unfortunately, there have been many negative assumptions and it’s not fair to her (Siti).”

At the session, Siti apologised to Khalid’s former wife for any hurtful comments.

“I never meant to hurt anyone. In the Press conference to announce our wedding, I had said that I was ready to accept Khalid’s children as my own, but that was misinterpreted,” she said.

“Maybe I should have elaborated. I didn’t mean that I wanted to replace her as the mother of her children with Khalid.

“I understand that I can never replace their mother and if I offended her in any way, I am sorry.”

Khalid has four sons from his marriage to Tengku Zawyah — Mohd Anas Zawawi, 19, Mohd Adib, 16, Mohd Asyraf, 14, and Mohd Aazief.

“My children had a heart-to-heart talk with Siti. None of my boys have voiced any objection to my marriage with Siti.

“I know my kids, and I know they would love to be at the wedding, but they have to take care of their mother’s feelings.”

He said that Anas, who is studying in Australia, could not come back as Zawyah would be visiting him there with his other sons.

“My ex-wife did not forbid them from attending the wedding. It’s just that the situation doesn’t allow it.”

Asked if he would have reconsidered his decision to woo Siti if his sons had objected, Khalid paused before answering.

“If they had a valid reason, or were able to tell me anything I didn’t know about.”

In true Cinderella style

-by NAJMUDDIN NAJIB and ZUHAILA AKMAR MOHD SEDEK -

BEFITTING her status as Malaysia’s pop princess, Siti Nurhaliza’s wedding will be a fairy tale come to life.

Her wedding planner, Datuk Raja Shah Rezza, has promised her fans an event to remember.

“It’s not just a wedding, it’s now a full-blown production. Siti has asked for a wedding that her fans, guests and the media can feel a part of.

“It’s certainly going to be all that, and more,” he told The Malay Mail.

He said they had crafted a ‘storyline’ for the wedding in tribute to the ‘Siti Cinderella’ tag given to her by fans.

“She has had the tag for a while now, so we thought we would adopt the theme in line with her fairy-tale namesake,” he said.

On the day of the reception on Aug 28, the ‘princess’, together with her Prince Charming, will be paraded in front of thousands of fans as they make their way to the ‘castle’ (Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre) for the ball.

There, a garden setting awaits the newly-weds.

“There has never been a wedding reception on this scale here before. It will be an occasion to remember.”

1) Designed by Kapas Couture, the dais, themed Gunung, is a tribute to Siti Nurhaliza’s father, Tarudin Ismail, as well the family’s Pahang heritage. The backdrop is provided by TV3. There will also be a ‘mini’ version of the stage to enable the Press to take photos of the couple before the wedding reception.

2) Two raised podiums will be set up on either side of the hall for performers. This is to ensure that all guests, even those seated away from the main stage, are provided with entertainment.

3) Ten flower girls, from Siti’s and Datuk K’s family, will scatter flower petals as they accompany the couple on the red carpet to the main stage.

4) Five reception counters will be set up for the registration of guests. The ushers will include celebrities.

5) As guests enter the corridor leading to the hall, they will be greeted by the sounds of gamelan music. A kompang troupe, organised by renowned irama asli composer Pak Ngah (Suhaimi Mohd Zain) will herald the couple’s arrival.

6) Just like the Academy Awards, a ‘red carpet’ area has been set up to interview VIPs, celebrities and guests as they arrive.

7) Outside the KL Convention Centre, the newly-weds will parade before the crowd in a horse-drawn carriage. This is to allow Siti’s fans to catch a glimpse of the pop princess as she makes her way to the KLCC for the wedding reception.

- The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre was chosen as the wedding venue due to its first class facilities as well as having the largest hall capacity, capable of accommodating 2,200 guests.

- Around 200 people are involved in the organisation of Siti’s wedding, including set designers and other technical crew.

- The decoration of the main hall will be carried out by AllSports, a company also involved in the Sepang Formula One Grand Prix.

- The ‘garden wedding’ theme for the reception at KLCC will see the hall decked in flowers and greenery. The solemnisation of vows at the Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan will see a more traditional Malay setting. Both events will be handled by Shah Rezza.

- Fashion designers Radzwan Radzwill, Michael Ong, Embun and Ana Avanti will design Siti’s wedding costumes. Siti will have two costume changes at the reception; one for the bersanding and another for the cake-cutting ceremony. She will wear a design by Embun for her solemnisation of vows.

- A band, led by composer S. Atan, will entertain guests during the reception. They will be accompanied by 50 dancers, helmed by composer Pak Ngah.There will also be a performance by 30 members of Siti’s fan club in Singapore.

RM12,888,888 is ridiculous, says Shah Rezza

-by NAJMUDDIN NAJIB -

OUR Weekend Mail front-page report that Siti Nurhaliza’s wedding could cost a cool RM12,888,888 has ruffled some feathers.

One of them is Datuk Raja Shah Rezza, the wedding planner for Siti’s wedding with Datuk Khalid Mohd Jiwa on Aug 28, who feared that he could become a target of criminals.

“Those with bad intentions could see me as a potential money source and I could be their next victim,” he said. “I’m not that rich. I still drive a Perodua Kelisa.”

Shah Rezza said the RM12,888,888 estimate was ridiculous. “The actual cost is nowhere near the figure. I can assure you that it is much, much less,” he said.

However, like the good businessman that he is, Shah Rezza said he was not at liberty to reveal the exact amount.

He said the report, which cited the figure as a possible amount, had caused him distress.

“When I first saw the report, I thought I would just forget about it,” he said.

“However, I began to receive phone calls from people who questioned me about it. It was then that I felt that I should set the record straight.”

The Weekend Mail report estimated the cost of the wedding at RM12,888,888 based on news reports. It also stated that Shah Rezza could get a fee as high as RM1.5 million.

“That is incorrect, as is the estimate of the budget,” he said.

“We have to keep in mind that a significant number of items were sponsored, thus the actual cost is much lower than published.”

He claimed he had a tough time explaining the report to his suppliers, as they were now under the impression that the budget was a large one.

“What we are trying to accomplish here is a wedding with all the trappings of a multi-million ringgit set-up, but at a fraction of the cost. As such, negotiating with suppliers is a key component of keeping costs down.

“Besides, I would also face problems with the Inland Revenue Board if they were to believe the published figures, and see my returns showing otherwise at year-end.”

MM says: Jumpy Jack Flash