KUALA LUMPUR: Watie Hanifiah has broken her silence over claims that she had an affair with comedian and businessman Shuib while his late wife, singer Siti Sarah Raissuddin, was still alive.
She insisted that she and Shuib did not even know each other at the time.
Watie, 37, whose real name is Fati Nikmatul Adawiyah Hanifiah, addressed the controversy on Instagram yesterday, revealing that she had kept her feelings bottled up for nearly four years.
She also denied claims that a male voice heard in an old video of her playing golf belonged to Shuib.
Instead, Watie shared evidence showing the voice belonged to another male friend, hoping to end the ongoing rumours once and for all.
"After getting married, having a family and becoming a mother to five children, I have changed significantly because it has given my life a deeper meaning," she said.
"The truth I want to state is that my husband and I never knew each other while the late Siti Sarah was still alive."
Watie explained that she decided to speak out to protect her five children—including her stepchildren—and to protect the dignity of their late mother.
She admitted that she had previously chosen to ignore the insults, acknowledging her own flaws and a past she preferred to leave behind.
"I feel it is time to stand up for myself. This is no longer just about me, but about my children, who are my greatest responsibility," she said, adding that she had taken time to reflect and seek guidance before speaking out publicly.
She also clarified rumours linking Shuib to controversial businessman Eddy Kana.
According to Watie, her husband has never personally known him.
She said she had asked Eddy Kana directly if he knew Shuib or had any business dealings with him, and he had denied both.
While admitting she was far from perfect, Watie hoped the evidence she shared would finally put the allegations to rest.
She added that stepping away from her old circle of showbiz friends was a personal sacrifice to focus on building a peaceful, stable family life.
"Providing this evidence does not mean I am better or more virtuous than anyone else. I hope everything will end here," she said.
"Please do not look only at me or my husband, but think about my children, too."
Watie married Shuib on June 23, 2023, nearly two years after Siti Sarah passed away in August 2021.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd