Miss Universe Malaysia has crowned 24-year-old Serena Lee as their winner for the 2023 pageant. Were you surprised by the announcement? A lot are – because many were not even aware the pageant was choosing a winner in the first place.
The official Instagram page for the pageant announced the news in a post, writing, “Presenting the newly crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2023, Ms Serena Lee. Your victory is a powerful testament to your bravery, strength and woman empowerment.” Serena will represent Malaysia at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador this November. Contestants Caroline Green and Temara Nelia Inigo were also revealed as the first and second runner-ups.
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However, the joyous news was shrouded in doubt as many were confused that a winner was crowned when they weren’t aware of an ongoing pageant. Earlier this month, the Miss Universe committee announced that the competition had been cancelled after the controversy surrounding Miss Universe Malaysia director Poppy Capella. The businesswoman is also the director of Miss Universe Indonesia but was supposedly relieved of her position in both countries after contestants in Indonesia accused the committee of sexual abuse.
Netizens were even more baffled by the fact the official account had still tagged her and her comment on the post, supporting Serena’s win. Despite the confusion surrounding Serena’s new title as Miss Universe Malaysia, many still support her journey, hoping she will prove she is the right choice to represent Malaysia.
It might be sudden, but we hope the win was well-deserved. And we hope Serena will make us proud when she competes internationally this November.
Sources: Instagram (1)(2), New Straits Times
Adleena contributed to this article.
