The Star Online today quoted Kosmo! as saying that Awie, whose real name is Ahmad Azhar Othman, claimed he was a descendant of Sultan Sulaiman Shah of the 17th century Singora Sultanate (present day Songkhla) in southern Thailand.

The singer made this revelation when responding to criticism of his decision to wed abroad rather than in Malaysia.

Defending his decision, Awie said he chose to marry Sharifah Ladyana Syed Shamsuddin at the Masjid Sultan Sulaiman in Songkhla on Oct 7, out of respect for his forefather, who the mosque was named after.

He also said he had the right to marry wherever he chose as long as the ceremony was solemnised according to Islamic teachings.

“Many men marry there (in Thailand) but why am I being criticised so badly?” Awie was quoted as saying.