Biggest wedding crowd record to stay

Despite being roiled by controversy, the record set at the wedding banquet of the Malacca chief minister's son would stand, said a Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) spokesperson.

"As far as the MBR is concerned, we have set the rules and regulations and they have fulfilled it.

"Regarding the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC)investigations, I can't say anything (on the matter)," said the spokesperson who declined to be named.

He added that the organisers had provided MBR with proof of the record-breaking attendance, including the guest attendance list.

The spokesperson was responding to Malaysiakini's queries on whether the MACC investigations would affect the record set at the wedding.

The wedding of Mohd Ali Rustam's eldest son Mohd Ridhwan Ali to Nur Azieha Mohd Ali on Sept 30 drew some 130,000 guests, earning it a place in the record booksfor the most number of guests attending a wedding reception.

MACC to probe event

However, the mega-event soon drew criticism, with opposition leaders demanding to know the cost of the wedding, with allegations that it could be as high as RM1.3 million on food alone.

Ali replied that the feast cost RM600,000, while the rest of the bill was kept low due to services provided by volunteers and sponsorship from businesses as well as contributions from guests.

A letter purportedly from Malacca State Development Corporation (PKNM) revealed that government agencies had also chipped in for the event such as by sponsoring tents, generators and cleaning crew.

The MACC yesterday announced that it is investigating the event for possible corruption.

"We are investigating... how much money was spent and who paid for it. We are going item by item," said MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Mohd Shukri Abdull.