4 dropped from pageant
Mufti reminds Muslims that beauty contests are forbidden
(NST) – Wan Zahidi reminded Muslims against participating in beauty queen contests because it was forbidden in Islam.
He said an edict on the issue had been gazetted on Feb 8, 1996.
Four Muslim women, who were among 20 beauties selected for the Miss Malaysia/World 2013 finals, have been disqualified.
Official pageant licensee and organiser Datuk Anna Lim said the disqualification was in line with Federal Territory mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan Teh’s instructions that Muslim women were prohibited from participating in pageants.
It is learnt that the selection of the four women had created a stir after it went viral on the Internet following a posting in a social media network after Monday’s press preview of the contestants in a restaurant in Solaris Dutamas, Mont Kiara.
All the contestants had paraded in dresses.
“I had overlooked the fact that they are Muslims as they are of mixed parentage, and with Malaysia being a multicultural country, I assumed it will be good to showcase our talent.
“However, upon the mufti’s advice, I wish to respect Islam and decided to keep them out.
“The pageant will go on and I am enthusiastic about putting up a good show for the non-Muslim contestants,” said Lim, a former Miss Malaysia/Universe 1990 and Mrs Malaysia/World 2004/5,
She said she was excited about the pageant as the contestants had the qualities of a beauty queen: looks, personality, intelligence and elegance.
The 16 finalists are Stephanie Lim, Estelle Sim, Melinder Bhullar, Kim Low, L’oreal Mok Shien Ling, Sharmisttha Yoogan, Audrey Loke Pui Yan, Tanisha Kaur, Cassandra Yong, Coco Tan, Jayarubini Sambanthan Muthaliyar, Brenda Chong Ling Wei, Manpreet Kaur, Venus Tan and Sherine Tan.
During the press preview, Lim presented the Society of St Vincent De Paul’s chapter president of the St Francis Xavier church, Francis Lai, with a RM10,000 cheque for its children’s welfare home.
Miss Malaysia/World 2013 will win RM30,000 and a host of sponsorships.
She will represent the country at the international pageant in Jakarta on Sept 28.
Wan Zahidi reminded Muslims against participating in beauty queen contests because it was forbidden in Islam.
He said an edict on the issue had been gazetted on Feb 8, 1996.
