KOTA KINABALU, Oct 31 — About 10,000 people gathered at Padang Merdeka here today for the Kenduri Rakyat of celebrity Bella Astillah and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Daily Express reported.

Fans and well-wishers began queueing outside the venue from as early as 8am, with many dressed in traditional attire representing Sabah’s various ethnic groups.

Bella, whose real name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, told the Sabah daily that guests had been encouraged, but not required, to come in traditional dress.

It was further reported that, Bella aid guests were free to wear whatever they were comfortable in, as the main aim was to celebrate the occasion together with fellow Sabahans.