Hours after her win, ATV’s Miss Asia Pageant Malaysia 2023 (亚洲小姐竞选) champion Luwe Xin Hui (Luwee, 雷欣蕙) was called out online for allegedly bullying her classmates during their schooling days.
The charges were many and heartfelt, causing an outcry from netizens against her. And although Luwe Xin Hui has been holding her tongue since then, the wave of charges have apparently sparked a response from the pageant’s organisers ATV (Asia Television, 亞洲電視).
A statement was released today (27th September) by ATV’s executive director Leong Wei Ping (梁玮玶) addressing concerns regarding the bullying allegations made against Miss Asia Pageant Malaysia 2023 (亚洲小姐竞选) champion Luwe Xin Hui.
The statement claimed ATV will uphold their principles of justice and fairness, resolutely oppose any forms of bullying and discrimination, and will be taking active measures to investigate the allegations. “We will strictly review the circumstances involving the accusations to ensure that the investigation process is fair and impartial. We will listen to the voices of relevant parties and do our best to ensure that justice is done,” it stated.
They also clarified that while they do their best to vet participants by reviewing their personal information, academic qualifications, bankruptcy and criminal records, they do not have the right nor are they able to investigate or verify a participant’s background and behaviour. This is out of respect for their personal privacy.
ATV’s statement claimed that they had never received reports or complaints about bullying during the participants’ time in the Miss Asia Pageant Malaysia 2023 (亚洲小姐竞选) competition. Nor is their competition rigged, they emphasized in regards to such allegations. ATV firmly stands by their decision that Luwe Xin Hui won the competition fair and square with her own abilities.
“As to this (bullying) allegation, Asia Television will naturally launch an investigation and hand it over to the legal team for professional analysis and verification, and take necessary procedures to ensure that the Miss Asia contest format and reputation are not damaged unintentionally, deliberately or maliciously,” China Press quoted.
However, ATV claimed that they will not be relying on “verbal or written accusations to judge in the absence of substantial evidence” to avoid interpreting things out of context. “We are committed to taking appropriate action based on the findings and implementing effective preventive measures to ensure that future competitions are not affected,” they stated.
ATV has also requested all parties refrain from speculation or malicious slander prior to the investigation’s results. Still, investigation aside, despite believing in giving people a chance to reform, ATV has emphasized that they do not “unconditionally condone (or endorse) malicious bullying“.
The finals of the Miss Asia Pageant Malaysia 2023 (亚洲小姐竞选) were held last Sunday (24th September) with Luwe Xin Hui announced as the winner. The reported dark horse of the competition walked away with a RM30,000 cash prize and a condominium unit worth RM1.5 million.
Full statement here:
Sources: China Press, Oriental Daily
