Search is on for ‘real woman’

Beauty queens: Tan (right) posing with 2006 MissMalaysia Universe first runner-up Rehka Athmalingamat the event in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

KUALA LUMPUR: The search for the next Miss Malaysia Universe has started.  

This year, the judges are looking for the “real woman” behind the beauty – someone who is intelligent, and has a sense of funand social consciousness.  

The winner will represent Malaysia in the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant in Mexico Cityfrom May 7 to 30. 

Alice Lee, the director of Pageant Promotions Sdn Bhd, which is the official organiser of the Miss Malaysia Universe pageant, said it was not just about finding a pretty face.  

“We have to select a suitable candidate to be an ambassadress for Malaysia so that when she competes, she will promote and showcase the multi-racial, harmonious and cultural traditions of the nation in line with Visit Malaysia 2007,” Lee said during the official launch of the pageant here yesterday.  

Reigning Miss Malaysia Universe Melissa Ann Tan, who was at the launch, encouraged girls to participate in the contest as they would amass a great wealth of experience.  

The Miss Malaysia Universe pageant is open to all single Malaysian women between the ages of 18 and 26.  

Those interested in taking part in the pageant can e-mail their name, e-mail address and contact number to [e-mail], or call 016-3322229/012-3365221.  

The closing date for entries is March 23.