Miss Universe Malaysia Samantha Katie James will be parading in the national costume category of the Miss Universe 2017 pageant alongside 41 other contestants on Nov 26, draped in our favourite Malaysian dish - nasi lemak.
Her nasi lemak gown, full with all the usual condiments - sambal, ikan bilis, cucumber, and a half-boiled egg - on a banana leaf was designed by Malaysian designer Brian Khoo.
While most Malaysians commenting about the costume on social media described the dress as distasteful, I, on the other hand, thought it was a marvellous, wacky creation of art. In fact, the moment I saw photos of the costume, I instantly started craving nasi lemak.
I suppose Brian, who apparently took a month to produce the gown, must have been struggling to come up with ideas for the costume when he decided to take a break - but instead of having a KitKat, he got himself a nice bungkus of nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf.
Maybe it was when Brian stuffed himself with coconut rice and chilli sambal that he must've gotten the idea, "Hey, what about a nasi lemak-themed dress?”
Well, that’s just my theory-lah.
But then again, I am so glad Brian had nasi lemak - one could only imagine what would have been the outcome if Brian, instead of having nasi lemak, decided to have, say, roti canai, char koey teow, popiah basah or nasi kandar!
On second thought, if nasi lemak is worthy of being made our national costume for a category in an international pageant, I strongly feel that the other local delicacies should also be given equal chances to represent our nation.
Further inspiration
I would hereby like to suggest that my favourite breakfast, thosai and coconut chutney, be considered as our next national costume for the pageant. I guarantee we’ll make the international audience gasp for air, as we take their breath away with such a unique work of creativity.
At this point, I am reminded of Miss Universe Malaysia 2016 Kiran Jassal’s attire for the national costume category last year. That too was an excellent piece of work, don’t you think?
I mean, the costume bearing the replica of Petronas Twin Towers growing from her shoulders and sleeves was, er, symmetrical and shiny.
Perhaps the designer duo, Rizman Ruzaini, who came up with the costume, got their idea by staring too long outside their office window and finally getting an eureka moment when they spotted the towers.
Yeah, I guess that must be it. I suppose next in line should be costumes inspired by Istana Negara (photo), Seri Perdana, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Masjid Negara and Penang Bridge, eh?
Our Malaysian work of creativity is really something, I tell you!
If I could suggest, let us not stop at designing costumes inspired only by our famous food and landmarks, for there are more important things we Malaysians are proud of.
What about creating a costume by combining the identity of our multi-racial society - the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Baba Nyonyas and the others?
A costume which portrays Malaysians having not only one identity, but a wonderful combination of different cultures - a melting pot of wonders.
On second thought, that may be a lousy idea - our fashion designers are way too creative for all that "typical" stuff.
Anyway, I wish our beauty queen all the best in showcasing her nasi lemak bungkus to the world this coming Nov 26. I am sure everyone watching will salivate upon seeing it.
Who knows, nasi lemak might even turn out to be the top-searched term on Google following the telecast of the pageant!
To all Malaysians who think the nasi lemak costume is nothing but an embarrassment to the nation, I suggest you check out Miss Sweden who was dressed as a milkmaid while carrying a horse made out of cardboard over her head, and Miss Germany who dressed up as a princess with a miniature castle fixed on her head during the 2016 Miss Universe Pageant in Manila.
FA ABDUL is a passionate storyteller, a growing media trainer, an aspiring playwright, a regular director, a struggling producer, a self-acclaimed photographer, an expert Facebooker, a lazy blogger, a part-time queen and a full-time vainpot.- Mkini
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