KUALA LUMPUR • Fans of veteran Malaysian actress Erra Fazira were on cloud nine last month, after reports surfaced that she was heading down the marriage aisle.
Now, such plans have been thrown into disarray after talk that her boyfriend, singer Shahir Zawawi, 29, is seeing another woman.
But the rumoured third party - flight stewardess Mona Syamimi Mohd Samsudin, 27 - hopes to hold talks to clear the air with Erra, 43, reported Malaysian newspaper Metro Ahad.
Mona wants to dispel suggestions that she is stealing another woman's boyfriend.
"I have no problem showing the chat history between Shahir and myself as evidence. I also hate it when netizens accuse me of this," she said.
According to Mona, she got acquainted with Shahir via Instagram and their relationship stepped up a gear only a month ago.
But "we are just friends", she added firmly - echoing an earlier similar declaration from Shahir.
She admitted that she had gone out with Shahir on dates, but there was nothing improper about their meet-ups.
"I also hope that Shahir will clarify matters. I do not want this issue to affect my career," she said.
Mona is not short of male attention, noted Malaysian newspaper The Star, which reported that she is dating a member of the Terengganu state football team.
The turn of events came after reports had swirled last month that Erra - who is divorced - could be taking the wedding plunge next year after her former husband tied the knot with Indonesian actress Laudya Cynthia Bella last month.
Shahir told newspaper Berita Harian recently of his intention to marry Erra early next year.
"Having dated for three years now, I admit that Erra is the woman for me. There's no one else but her whom I'd rather be with," he said.
He dismissed talk of his straying ways - a photograph of him and Mona had popped up on social media recently.
"I felt the need to justify my and Erra's relationship. I hope no one will try to sabotage our relationship anymore after this," he said.
But Erra's fans do not have to fear the worst for their idol. In an interview last year, the Miss Malaysia/World 1992 revealed how she coped with the ups and downs in the turbulent world of entertainment.
"I used to cry over the rumours about me. Now, I am over such things."
