KUALA LUMPUR: She recently won a court battle against a businesswoman who slandered her, and now that the unfortunate episode is over, Maria Farida wants to have a more quiet life with her husband.
Maria, 47, and her husband, businessman Rahman Shakur, 63, have decided to move out of their old home in Bangsar to a new one in Bukit Kiara, and she hopes her new neighbourhood will allow her to enjoy greater privacy.
“We want to start life anew. It’s been a tiring year dealing with individuals who disturb our lives,” said Maria in a recent interview.
“Next week, we’re going for a holiday in New Zealand. I love that place, and hope it’ll be an enjoyable trip which will help put the past behind me.”
Maria, who married Rahman in October 2015, was “bombarded” by the said businesswoman with libellous Short Messaging Service (SMS) messages for two years, and among others, these contained accusations that she practised black magic and was a “home wrecker”.
The actress who starred in movies Mamak Cupcake and My Spy eventually sued the individual for libel and a week ago, she won her court case. The businesswoman was ordered by the Federal Territories High Court to pay damages to Maria and sentenced to two weeks’ jail for failing to turn up at court proceedings.
“Thank God the truth has prevailed. I hope this serves as a warning to anybody who wants to damage my reputation and ruin my livelihood!” said Maria, adding that she had learnt to be “less trusting” of individuals who offered to do business with her.