MULTI-HYPHENATE Datuk Afdlin Shauki and wife Maria Christina Orow Abdullah have ended their marriage after 25 years together.
Christina broke the news in a social media post recently, to coincide with the completion of the iddah (waiting) period.
She wrote that she and Afdlin, who is Petra Media chief executive, came to the decision in April, during the fasting month. It was a few months short of their 25th year anniversary.
“The decision was made relatively swiftly, perhaps because it seemed inevitable, and because we did not view it as a destructive or ultimate representation of our relationship,” she penned.
While they had lived and worked together, and watched their children grow, “there was a gradual separation of our daily lives as we each began to make personal decisions… that reflected the growing changes in what we each were seeking in our own lives.”
She attributed to the pandemic the changes they each went through – she inwards and he all-embracing. The return to the endemic phase this year unearthed the issue.
“It seemed that we couldn’t carry on living parallel lives without some compromise – which is when we decided that compromising wasn’t necessary if we were to part ways and simply wish each other well,” she continued.
Christina reiterated that they remain committed parents and their children will always have their support and love. But “everyone ultimately faces like as themselves – and that none of what we do or choose reflects on them.”
She hoped that they know she will likewise respect their hopes and feelings.
Together with Afdlin, Christina believed that the divorce should not be a devastating episode, but rather an avenue for them to continue their personal growth separately.
“As I know Afdlin will continue to support me as a lifelong friend and soul mate, so I will support him in his own life trajectory, as someone whose influence on my life has been of great magnitude and meaning.”
She concluded by bidding family and finds to not be saddened by what she deemed a regular occurrence faced by many others.
“We asked that our family and in particular, our children’s privacy be respected and wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy weekend,” said Christina.
“I don’t think I can say what Christina wrote better. She encompassed what we went through and what we currently feel about each other,” said Afdlin on the phone when contacted today.
Disclosing the reason behind the delay in making the separation public, the veteran actor mentioned it was to respect the Iddah period when going through a divorce process within the Islamic context.
“Before we came to the decision, Christina and I sat down with our daughters so we could be open and honest with where we were at with the relationship.
“Of course prior to having the conversation, we did not know how the kids were going to take it but we have always been very open with them and even allowed our girls to speak their mind.
“Although Christina and I may have different goals in life, we will remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities as parents – doing whatever is needed to make sure our children are cared for at the end of the day,” highlighted Afdlin.
He refused to comment whether his role in Malaysian politics played a part in the separation between him and his ex-wife.
“I can’t comment on this but certainly getting over a marriage that is worth 25 years is not easy. But my bond and friendship with Christina will remain regardless.
“We went to court in the same car together, had lunch afterwards even together – everything was amicable in nature.
“There is no need to (be at) loggerheads with each other to maintain certain pockets of happiness. That is what we wish for each other coming out of this.”
Afdlin and Christina married in 1997 and have three daughters together. – The Vibes, July 23, 2022
Additional reporting by Amalina Kamal
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