NATIONAL songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza has dismissed claims that she was offended or “sulking” following online speculation over her performance at the Ministry of Health’s (KKM) Aidilfitri Open House earlier this week.
Speaking to entertainment portal Gempak, the 46-year-old icon clarified that her appearance at the event was not as a paid performer but as a guest who sang voluntarily to show appreciation for the ministry’s staff.
“Not at all (sulking). This is just part of life. I’m still Siti Nurhaliza, and I’ve matured,” she said.
“I know when it’s time to serve the country and when to perform as a gesture of appreciation.”
The controversy was sparked after Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad posted images on social media of Siti Nurhaliza and fellow veteran entertainer Datuk Jamal Abdillah performing at the official event, which led to speculation about whether they had been paid.
Siti Nurhaliza addressed the rumours directly, saying: “I attended the KKM event as a guest, not as an invited artist scheduled to perform. I sang to express my gratitude to the staff at KKM, out of goodwill and without any payment.”
She added that the clarification was necessary to prevent further misinformation or defamatory remarks linking her to false claims.
Dr Dzulkefly also issued a statement via social media platform X, confirming that both Siti Nurhaliza and Jamal Abdillah were invited as guests and not contracted performers.
According to the minister, the two artistes performed in a personal capacity, with no fee involved, as a mark of respect for the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, health workers, and other guests who are integral to the nation’s healthcare ecosystem. - April 25, 2025
