Marking Milestones

In conjunction with Malaysia Tatler’s 30th anniversary, friends of Tatler join us in celebration by sharing their own personal and professional accomplishments, and why these moments are to be treasured and appreciated

- Lily Ong

Tunku Dara Naquiah & Tunku Datuk Mudzaffar

Milestone: 50 Years of Marriage

There’s something attractive about a woman that is modern, independent and confident; and these were the qualities that drew Tunku Datuk Mudzaffar to his wife, Tunku Dara Naquiah. In fact, his admiration for her is still strong today, judging by how he looks at her—50 years after they became husband and wife.

We experienced firsthand their lovely chemistry while we were photographing the couple for this feature. They performed a lively ballroom dance routine for our photographer; their synergy together was such a joy to watch.

“We love to jive together,” Tunku Mudzaffar shared and Tunku Dara agreed, “Sometimes when he can’t attend a function and I’ll have to go alone, I’ll miss him when I’m on the dance floor with other friends.”

At the living room of their abode amid the many family photos of the couple, their children as well as their grandchildren, we were able to grasp the timeline of their loving, longstanding relationship.

Their contrasting personalities make for a harmonious pairing, strengthened by a mutual understanding. “Sometimes he likes to be on his own, and be quiet. But he doesn’t mind me socialising with friends. What I like about him is that he is very calm and reserved, but he is also very determined. That’s what caught my eye about him,” says Tunku Dara.

As if this isn’t romantic enough, Tunku Dara reveals that her gallant husband has built three boats in tribute to her, named after her nickname—Nikki. “The first boat he built for me was a racing boat, then it was a modest fisherman boat. The final one was a semi-cabin cruiser,” she said fondly.