MUMO & Local Celebs React To Samantha Katie James Controversy

Last night, Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO) expressed shock over the racial comments made by 2017 winner Samantha Katie James.

In a statement, MUMO said that Samantha’s remarks were “inappropriate, offensive, unacceptable and hurtful”. The pageant organiser also distanced itself from the controversy, stating that those are her own views and not of MUMO.

Having said that, many netizens feel that a mere statement by MUMO isn’t enough. “Hi, a statement is not enough. I hope that you will take action by considering to strip her off her official title. She is no role model to young women and definitely not an ambassador of Malaysia on the international stage. Thank you,” Instagram user @ayraalias commented.

Her sentiments were echoed by Facebook user Cecelia Alphonsus. “I don’t know which is worse – her statements or your lack of one. Distancing yourself from her isn’t the right thing to do. As you can already see, her statements have affected your brand. It was an ill-advised statement. Take a stand and revoke her title. Beauty pageants already have a bad wrap, having this one running around associated with your brand only confirms the negative perception people have of beauty pageants these days,” she said.

Current title holder Shweta Sekhon, National Director of MUMO Elainer Daly, Alicia Amin and more have taken their stand against Samantha and racism.

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Stand Against #Racism! . ✊🏻✊🏼✊✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

A post shared by Shweta Sekhon 👑🇲🇾 (@shweta_sekhon_) on Jun 1, 2020 at 8:21am PDT

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Racism is not ok. Trying to explain away racism is not ok. Asking people to suck it up and get over racism is not ok. People of colour in the USA deserve the space to express their outrage at not just the death of George Floyd, but centuries of slavery, racism and oppression. #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by elainedaly (@elainedaly) on Jun 1, 2020 at 5:42am PDT

As someone who has been friends with Samantha I wanna share a thread about why while being woke online and in public spaces is important- but even more so in private and your personal relationships. pic.twitter.com/glTNZvbfR8

— YM Raja Lapar 🍸 (@AliciaAmin) June 1, 2020

I know Samantha has taken a swipe at all her close friends who have told her off, be it privately in her DMs or publicly like myself.

I have said my peace. Now we move forward and continue to irradicate ignorance. EDUCATE.

LEAVE NO ROOM FOR IGNORANCE. 💔

— YM Raja Lapar 🍸 (@AliciaAmin) June 1, 2020

we’re hitting miss samantha where it hurts! this is powerful ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/ojk4xOQxBF

— alextbh (@_alextbh) June 1, 2020

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As a Malaysian Muslim artist who grew up listening to music made my black artists & composers, never imagining that I would then grow up and have the opportunity to work with talented black artists, producers, musicians, dancers, even connecting with the fans – it’s my responsibility to come together not only to celebrate the wins, but also be there and stand together during a loss. Without their perseverance we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy and be inspired by their art form- which connects everyone globally, even all the way to Malaysia. My record label and I will be joining the music industry black out Tuesday to stand in solidarity with my black brothers and sisters against racism, and reconnect with my community, where conversations about fighting racism needs to happen. We stand for peace & equality. #georgefloyd #theshowmustbepaused #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Y U N A (@yuna) on Jun 1, 2020 at 12:33pm PDT

stan former miss world larissa ping liew instead pic.twitter.com/olytvs6icu

— BLM ☾ (@trinsteaparty) June 1, 2020