Best in Malaysia Traditional Attire, Miss Malaysia Kebaya 2013

Dear lovely readers,

From magnificent tribal head-feathers with bark body-covers to antique gold-woven royal songket fabric, the array of Malaysia's traditional attires and textiles are stunningly diverse and colorful. 

In the early days, the aboriginal tribes wore native bark costumes and beads. With the advent of the ancient kingdoms, hand-loomed fine textiles and intricate Malay batik were used by the Malay royalty. As foreign trade flourished, costumes and textiles such as Chinese silk, the Indian fabrics or plaid sarong and the Arabian jubbah a robe with wide sleeves were introduced to the country. 

Winner - Massuhaella binti Mohd Idris (Puteri Santubong inspired traditional attire) 

Today, traditional attire such as the Malay baju kebaya, Indian saree, Chinese cheongsam, Sabah and Sarawak's traditional attires are still widely worn. 

Traditional attires are peculiar to or characteristic of a certain nation or ethnic group, which usually retains strong elements of the culture from which it originates. In areas where contemporary Western fashions have become usual, traditional attires are often worn in connection with special events and celebrations, particularly those connected with cultural traditions, heritage, or pride. Some countries even have their traditional attires as the uniform of the national airline Flight Attendant to promote their culture to passengers.

The traditional attire of a race or a nation is something sacred, something that we will never compromise over. It is the symbol of one tradition, a signature of honor and loyalty for a historic culture. Putting on another traditional attire in my opinion then, was plain disrespectful for your own ancestors.

Living in this melting pot of culture, I realize that traditional attires have never lost their meaning. As a multi-racial country, Malaysia has been striving to bring their citizens together as one people. By wearing other races' traditional attires, these people do not neglect their own cultural identity; instead they express their appreciation and respect towards the other cultures. These people are not shaming their ancestors, but they are showing a good will to reach out to other friends and embrace their heritage. The traditional attires turn out to have gained more importance in the current days. They are no more just an identity; they have become a bridge, joining people with the uniqueness of their heritage.

Ultimately, traditional attires are just clothes; what makes them stand out is the underlying intention of not only representing a group of people, but also joining this group of people with the other groups harmoniously.

So, last week (December 20th, 2013), I have had the chance to work with Miss Malaysia Kebaya committee 2013 (MBK2013). Mr. Gilbert. Mr. Kevin and I (from Persatuan Kebudayaan dan Warisan Sabah Kuala Lumpur, Selangor dan Putrajaya, and Panggau Singai Crew) had the chance to do judging for the Best in Malaysia Traditional Attire category/subsidiary title. We really appreciate the chance given not only as part of the judging team but also to learn about the uniqueness of  Kebaya attire. 

The criteria of judging were - suitability (cultural relevance), originality/authenticity, stage presentation/execution of the attire, self-confidence, self-introduction and overall beauty/elegance.

As a result, we came into a conclusion in selecting the winners for Best in Malaysia Traditional Attire, Miss Malaysia Kebaya 2013:

Best in Malaysia Traditional Attire
Winner - Massuhaella binti Mohd Idris (Puteri Santubong inspired traditional attire) 
1st runner up - Cecilia Riymante (Dusun Tindal traditional attire) 
2nd runner up - Davina Naidu (Malaysia saree traditional attire)
3rd runner up - Christina Dana Anak Paulus Ripos (Bidayuh traditional attire) 
4th runner up - Marilyn Cindy John Mikat (Dusun Ranau traditional attire) 

Other notable contestants:

Rupini Mahalingam (Malaysia Saree traditional attire)

Sunshine Aileen Devi Eric (Modern cheongsam)

Elssey Lessiana Anak Richard (Bidayuh traditional attire)

Maryanne Lee (Orang Ulu traditional attire)

Ann Soe (Modern cheongsam)

Congratulations!

Notes: Prizes for Best in Traditional Attire were sponsored by persatuan Kebudayaan dan Warisan Sabah Kuala Lumpur, Selangor & Putrajaya and Borneo Global).

Picture source:

Gilbert Photography for Warisan Sabah

 1st runner up - Cecilia Riymante (Dusun Tindal traditional attire) 

2nd runner up - Davina Naidu (Malaysia saree traditional attire)

 3rd runner up - Christina Dana Anak Paulus Ripos (Bidayuh traditional attire)

4th runner up - Marilyn Cindy John Mikat (Dusun Ranau traditional attire)