Miss Universe Malaysia 2024’s crown found its owner last month, with Sandra Lim emerging victorious after winning against 15 other finalists. Sandra is now set to represent Malaysia at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico City next month, and excitement has been building around her national costume reveal.
Yesterday (Wednesday, 23rd October), Miss Universe Malaysia unveiled the national costume that will represent the country. The design draws inspiration from Princess Walinong Sari, a warrior from Pahang Malay folklore known for her grace and martial arts skills. Malaysian designer Ezuwan Ismail made the outfit using locally sourced fabrics like songket and sulam tebuk embroidery, and to complete the whole look, the costume features traditional headgear and a sword, symbolising the strength and elegance of the legendary princess.
Given that Sandra herself is skilled in martial arts like Wushu, she shared, “Princess Walinong Sari symbolises resilience and beauty, and I hope to bring those qualities to the Miss Universe stage, proudly representing the strength of Malaysian women while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse heritage.” She also added that the costume would portray how a woman can be both fierce and graceful.
Since the costume reveal, many netizens have reacted positively. Most praised the choice of Princess Walinong Sari, noting how the warrior princess and Sandra share similarities as “beauty warriors,” and expressed excitement to see Sandra showcase her Wushu skills on stage. Some expressed pride and gratitude for highlighting Pahang’s rich heritage on an international platform, while others appreciated the sleek and simple design, saying the golden embroidery gives the costume a luxurious and elegant touch.
Despite what should be a positive announcement, there are also netizens who expressed dissatisfaction with the overall outfit design. Many criticised the choice of pants, comparing it to the white “Power Rangers” costume. Some also pointed out that the design lacks visible Malaysian elements, saying it fails to deliver a “wow” factor. Others commented that there is still room for improvement, particularly in the shoulder section of the attire and the accessories used to complete the overall look.
Regardless of whether the design is to our liking, it’s important to remember that, as Malaysians, we should support Sandra as she represents our country on the world stage. Let’s wish her the best on this exciting journey!
Alia contributed to this article.
