Businessman claims legal marriage to woman at centre of senior naval officer controversy
He claimed that his wife became acquainted with the senior naval officer through professional matters related to their joint business activities.
KUALA LUMPUR – A 52-year-old businessman has declared that he remains the lawful husband of a woman recently linked to a controversy involving the National Defence Studies Centre (Puspahanas) President, Vice-Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali.
Entrepreneur Sariman Bakar stated that he and Dasyarina Sarilah Daud were legally married under Islamic law outside Malaysia on Feb 25, 2025, with her biological father serving as the marriage guardian (wali).
He claimed that his wife became acquainted with the senior naval officer through professional matters related to their joint business activities.
Sariman claimed a significant shift in Dasyarina’s behaviour shortly after the introduction.
“Following that acquaintance, I discovered a clear change in my wife’s attitude,” he said.
Feeling aggrieved, he began conducting his own investigation.
“I was dissatisfied and carried out my own checks,” he added.
During a press conference at a restaurant on Tuesday, Sariman alleged that he discovered affectionate messages, including the term ‘sayang’, in communications between Sabri and his wife.
These claims follow a previous denial by Dasyarina, who rejected allegations of a personal relationship with Sabri.
She maintained they were merely friends and golf partners and denied receiving any government projects.
The controversy was further amplified last December when political activist Chegubard accused Sabri of involvement in corruption-related misconduct.
Chegubard circulated documents alleged to resemble materials from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), reportedly received by Pembela Tanah Air (Peta) in May 2024.
Sariman further alleged the existence of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showing the pair entering the same hotel room.
He claimed the senior officer registered at the hotel using his military name and rank.
Sariman stated that he contacted Sabri personally to seek clarification, but claimed the situation did not improve.
“Because nothing changed, I instructed my lawyers to act,” he said.
A letter of demand was subsequently sent to Sabri through legal counsel.
Sariman stated that the reply failed to satisfy either him or his legal team, prompting him to reach out to Chegubard for assistance.
“I do not know where the materials originated from, but I can confirm the photographs, CCTV,
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