KUALA BERANG, MALAYSIA - It was like a tale out of Shakespeare - obstacles placed in the path of true love because of political differences.

When 24-year-old Hasiah Ismail told her family she had found the man of her dreams, her father objected to the union. Not because 32-year-old Mazlan Kassim was an unsuitable groom but because of politics.

Hasiah's father refused to be her wali (the representative who gives her away) because Mazlan supports Umno, and he is a staunch follower of Pas.

But their story has a partly happy ending - they got married yesterday at the Hulu Berang municipal surau with syariah court judge Wan Abd Malik Wan Sidek acting as wali.

Hulu Terengganu religious officer Zahari Sulong solemnised the marriage after obtaining permission from the Marang syariah court.

Hasiah, from Kampung Pengklan Berangan, Marang, has mixed feelings. She says she is happy to be married to the man she loves, but she is sad that none of her family was at the ceremony.

"I told my father, and he was angry and sad that I disobeyed him. He strongly objected to our marriage because of political differences. My mother took my father's side. I just hope my family accepts our union, but I know it will take time," she said before being whisked away by her husband.

She said she had known her husband, from Kampung Padang Setar, for two years. They met over the telephone.

Mazlan refused to speak to the press.

Wan Abd Malik said he was told by the bride's father that he did not give his blessings to the marriage and that he refused to act as wali.

"When I asked him whether it was due to political differences, he just said: 'Huh. I have lot of work to do'.

"And when I said I was given permission by the court to act as wali, he just said: 'Ikutlah (whatever)'," he said.

Hasiah had applied for a judge to act as wali in February. Her father was instructed to attend court but failed to show up.