Abby Abadi
Abby Abadi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Arbaiyah Abdul Manan December 1, 1977 Malaysia |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, television host, actress |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Known for | Member of Malaysian girl band Elite; role as Inspector/DSP Aleeza in Gerak Khas |
Arbaiyah Abdul Manan, widely recognized by her stage name Abby Abadi (born 1 December 1977), is a Malaysian entertainer known for her work as a singer, television host, and actress. She rose to fame as part of the Malaysian girl band Elite during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Abby is especially remembered for portraying Inspector (later DSP) Aleeza in the enduring Malaysian action drama series Gerak Khas. Between 2000 and 2003, she secured the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian award for Most Popular TV Actress on five occasions.
Career
At age 18, Abby launched her career as a member of Elite, the inaugural Malaysian girl group formed by KRU, producing two albums before departing in 1998.
Her significant acting debut occurred in 1999 when she took on the lead role of Inspector Aleeza in Gerak Khas, the longest-running police procedural drama in Malaysia. Alongside co-star AC Mizal, she also performed the show's theme song. Originally slated for a one-year run, the series extended to 20 seasons with a total of 1,054 episodes before concluding in March 2021. Abby featured in every season except for seasons 14 through 18.
Personal life
In 2002, Abby married Norman Hakim, her co-star from Gerak Khas; their marriage ended in divorce in 2008. Together, they have three children: Mohamed Danish Hakim, Marissa Dania, and Maria Danisha.
She remarried in 2012 to Muhammad Noor Farhan Che Bakar, who is twelve years younger than her; their union lasted one year before ending in divorce. Abby entered into her third marriage with Muhammad Faizal Zakaria in 2015.
Political involvement
Abby Abadi became affiliated with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and encountered criticism due to aspects of her lifestyle. She works alongside Hairi Othman to enhance PAS's public image. Despite circulating rumors, Abby has denied marrying PAS assemblyman Mohd Zaki Ibrahim.
Statements on Islam
Following her association with PAS, Abby has actively engaged in delivering sermons and religious teachings. Nonetheless, several of her expressed opinions have been viewed as conflicting with Islamic doctrines, attracting disapproval within Malaysia’s online community. She has explained that her participation in PAS is motivated by a desire to support friends, family, and society at large, believing this path will secure her spiritual salvation.
Dispute with religious authorities
Abby’s contentious remarks about Islam led to criticism from Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, resulting in public exchanges on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, PAS member and religious educator Ustaz Azhar Idrus challenged her comments, recommending that Abby engage in further study and research prior to making such statements.
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Pasrah | Fiza | Film debut |
| 2001 | Gerak Khas The Movie | Inspector Aleeza | |
| 2002 | Gerak Khas The Movie II | ||
| 2005 | GK3 The Movie | ||
| Sembilu 2005 | Teacher Abby | ||
| 2007 | Skrip 7707 | Liza | |
| 2010 | Andartu Terlampau...21 Hari Mencari Suami | Sarah |
Television series
| Year | Title | Role | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2011 2019–2021 |
Gerak Khas | DSP Aleeza | TV1, TV2, TV3 |
| 2000 | Maria Mariana The Series | Maria | TV3 |
| 2007 | Manjalara | Zaza Abdullah | |
| 2008 | Vice Versa | Norin | |
| 2008–2010 | Hikayat Putera Shazlan | Mak Som | Astro Ceria |
| 2009 | Julia Juli | Princess Balqis | TV3 |
| Segalanya Ku Terima | Sofea | ||
| Jongkang Jongkit | Mimi | Astro Warna | |
| 2010 | Ilusi | Kak Lia | TV3 |
| Habil & Qabil | Intan | ||
| 2012 | Pelangi Kasih | Maimon |
Telemovie
| Year | Title | Role | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Egois | ||
| 1999 | Merentas Pelangi | ||
| 2000 | Kesatria 7 | ||
| 2003 | Garisan Terakhir | ||
| Neon |
Released on VCD | | ||
| 2005 | Menantu Mak Dara | TV3 | |
| 2006 | Labuna Labuni | Astro Ria | |
| 2021 | Dolla Watch Me Glow | Herself | Astro Citra |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | TV Channel | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Roda Impian | Presenter | Astro Ria |