My heart went out to the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization when they pulled out all stops to insure that their rep, Deborah Priya Henry, will take a semifinal spot in Sao Paulo’s Miss Universe 2011 but failed. Up to now, I couldn’t fathom the reasons behind her non-inclusion. But Andrea Fonseka’s group did not languish for long as they re-focused their energies on the next Miss Universe Malaysia.
Enter Kimberley Ann Estrop-Leggett, their entrant to Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas. The teenager – whose parents are of mixed heritage – is not the easiest to pinpoint as Malaysian in a line-up of un-sashed beauties. Her looks are more Caucasian than Malay. But her country’s pride in fostering a mix of different cultures paves the way for an unconditonal acceptance and support for their beauty queen, regardless of the non-Asian look.
Will Malaysia finally hit the big time in Las Vegas come December 19? Or will it bring them back to the drawing boards and deliberate on who is best to represent them next?
What say you, dear readers? 🙂