Could Bella Astillah’s ties to Syed Saddiq propel her into Sabah politics?

SHAH ALAM - As the Sabah state election approaches, speculation is swirling around Bella Astillah, the Sabahan actress and singer whose recent community outreach activities alongside Muar Member of Parliament (MP) Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman have triggered rumours of her potential political debut.

With her vibrant presence on social media and strong ties to her home state, Bella’s growing prominence in both entertainment and public service has led to whispers about her future in politics.

Her recent activities have gone beyond typical celebrity charity work, drawing attention to her ability to connect with local communities while raising questions about her political ambitions.

Syed Saddiq’s mentorship, whether intentional or circumstantial, appears to have added a layer of political significance to her outreach efforts.

Her popularity and ability to engage with Sabah’s younger population might make her an attractive candidate, but political success in Sabah demands more than just name recognition.

Political experts have weighed in on the possibility. O2 Research Head Anis Anwar believed Bella’s rise, while intriguing, would require more than just popularity.

"Bella Astillah’s potential entry into Sabah politics presents an intriguing yet complex scenario.

"While her popularity and social media influence undeniably offer her a platform to capture immediate public interest, especially among younger demographics, we must critically evaluate beyond mere visibility," he said.

Anis also pointed out that Bella’s indirect exposure to politics through Syed Saddiq suggested familiarity with political discourse but stated that observing politics was vastly different from participating in governance.

"A meaningful political career in Sabah requires not only charisma but a clear understanding of complex local issues: from economic disparities and infrastructural inadequacies to federal-state relations and inter-ethnic community dynamics.

"Bella would need to demonstrate authentic and substantive engagement with these critical issues rather than relying solely on her public appeal," Anis added.

Despite the challenges, he said Bella’s emergence could inject fresh energy into Sabah’s political landscape.

The state has experienced prolonged political fatigue due to frequent shifts in governance, often at the expense of public interest, he added.

"A youthful, dynamic candidate with grassroots appeal might inspire greater participation, particularly among younger voters who feel disconnected from traditional politics.

"Bella's Sabahan identity could serve as a strong asset, fostering deeper trust and emotional connections with local communities if she can convincingly articulate solutions reflective of their aspirations," he added.

However, political analyst James Chin offered a realistic perspective on the challenges Bella might face if she chooses to enter politics.

"She can run, obviously because she has a name already, but it depends on which party she stands under. Just having a name is not enough to win.

"There was a former Sabahan beauty queen who stood under Warisan and didn’t win. A lot depends on which party will take her and what seat she will be standing for," he said.

James added that the crowded political field in Sabah could diminish Bella's prospects.

"My personal take is that it's not possible for her to win because this time, there are just too many candidates. Even if her boyfriend is Syed Saddiq, it’s not going to make much of a difference," he said.

Bella’s recent community outreach efforts, conducted explicitly alongside Syed Saddiq, have further blurred the lines between celebrity activism and political engagement.

While providing aid is not exclusive to politicians, her visible partnership with a serving MP positioned her differently from other influencers or public figures who independently undertake similar initiatives.

This association may elevate her reputation and personal branding within the local Sabahan community, potentially laying the groundwork for political aspirations.

Ultimately, the question remained whether Bella’s popularity can translate into meaningful political engagement.

If Bella does decide to enter the political arena, her journey could mark an encouraging step in reshaping Sabah’s political narrative, but only if she addresses the state’s unique challenges with authenticity and purpose.

For now, her actions and affiliations have set the stage for both curiosity and skepticism, making her one to watch in the lead-up to the state election.